Annual inventory:10 Electric Cars With More Range Than Advertised in Real-World Testing
If you don’t know what kind of electric car to buy, these EVs can ease your range anxiety
The results are a set of numbers that indicate a great deal of EVs can go further than their manufacturers say, and we’ve compiled these models into a proper list for you. But before you get too excited, it is worth remembering just how much temperature and other factors play into the achievable range.
No.1 2023 BMW i4 M50
It’s not surprising to learn that BMW‘s provided performance numbers aren’t always accurate, but that isn’t a negative attribute. M-Performance cars often make more power than advertised, and its electric range figures are no different.
According to Consumer Reports, the 2023 BMW i4 M50 goes far above and beyond its claimed 271 miles of EPA-rated range. In real-world testing, the all-electric grand coupe achieved 318 miles before running out.
No.2 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD Extended Range
Configuring your own Ford Mustang Mach-E is a task worthy of some thought. With several trim levels, battery options, and drivetrain setups, the Mach-E has been a hit for Ford since its launch in 2019.
The EPA says that the Premium AWD Extended Range version of the Mach-E is good for 270 miles, but real-world testing found it capable of 299 miles of range. Car and Driver quotes 75 MPGe on the highway.
No.3 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEL AWD
In competition with the Mach-E, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 epitomizes how best to make a cool, popular electric vehicle. With ample space inside and a variety of trim levels to choose from, the best feature of the Ioniq 5 is arguably its engaging driving character.
While real-world testing shows some advantageous range numbers, the results aren’t particularly impressive. With a claimed range of 270 miles, CR found it possible to go 11 miles beyond that, totaling 267 miles.
No.4 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4Matic
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t received the same lavish praise for its electric vehicle revolution as other manufacturers, but its efforts aren’t without success. A sleek, stylish design paired with modern technology makes the EQ series a worthwhile choice.
And its range figures might be the cherry on top, as Mercedes could be heavily undervaluing its electric range. The EPA rating claims 260 miles for the lower-end EQE model, while Car and Driver hit this number exactly and CR went as far as 332 miles.
No.5 2022 Rivian R1T
Rivian is an innovative manufacturer in more ways than one. From its unique take on traditional shapes and capable chassis, the Rivian brand is one worth watching into the future.
And its range figures appear to be positively trending, too. With an EPA-claimed 314, CR did 334 miles before running out. That said, Car and Driver managed a much poorer 220 miles of range in highway testing.
No.6 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Pro S AWD
It’s not as popular as the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Hyundai Ioniq 5, but the Volkswagen ID.4 is a worthy adversary within the EV market. It’s also ushering VW into a new era of electrification and design.
Plus it performs honestly in real-world range testing. 240 miles of EPA range rings true in CR testing, as it achieved 253 miles before running on empty. Car and Driver nearly matched the EPA’s 88 MPGe rating at 82 MPGe in Michigan winter.
No.7 2023 BMW iX xDrive50
You either love or hate the BMW iX and such drastic emotions are usually a result of its looks. But the driving experience is worth exploring for prospective EV SUV buyers. Just like its Mercedes counterparts, it gets pretty good range numbers, too.
315 miles of EPA-rated range is already impressive, but CR testing went 370 miles before running out. Colder weather testing in Michigan led Car and Driver to a maximum highway range of 290 miles.
No.8 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 450 4Matic
Moving up in size, the bigger Mercedes-Benz EQS maintains its presence within the electric lineup. It may not be the best-looking model, but it wins buyers over with luxurious features and impressive range.
EPA figures say 285 miles, but CR testing shows up to 314 miles. Be mindful when pushing it on the highway though, as Car and Driver managed around 260 miles at 75 mph.
No.9 2022 Kia EV6 Wind AWD
Kia’s EV6 is another stellar EV product coming out of the Hyundai Motor Group. In GT form, the EV6 is fast and slippery, but its more pedestrian varieties are commuter-competent.
Admittedly, the EV6 Wind AWD barely makes it onto this list, as it achieved a measly three miles above its claimed range of 274 miles. Car and Driver found even more difficult results at 190 miles of cold highway range.
No.10 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic
Rounding out our list is another Mercedes product, namely the top-of-the-line non-AMG EQS currently available. Smoothness is its main goal but the bigger number in its nameplate implies more power, too. 516 hp and 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds isn’t too bad.
Plus, the EQS manages another range feat in its top trim, with a CR-tested 380 miles of range. That’s 40 more miles than the EPA claims. Living in California must be nice.