TLX vs i4
This is a classic rivalry: the TLX against the i4, Acura against BMW, both in compact luxury car territory. Call it a near draw on paper, with just a few specs pulling the two apart.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance i4 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.8
- Engine & Performance10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The i4 has 63 hp more power
On this line of the spec sheet, the i4 is in a different league: 335 hp, next to 272 hp for the TLX. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The i4 has 37 lb-ft more torque
The TLX isn’t far behind at 280 lb-ft, but the i4’s 317 lb-ft still comes out ahead. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
i4 leads
The engine & performance numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the i4. The i4 delivers 63 hp more power. The i4’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. If this section decides it for you, choose the i4.
Total system output
TLX: 272 hp i4: 335 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
TLX: 280 lb-ft i4: 317 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to space & practicality. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. Bottom line for off-road & towing: it’s a wash.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | TLX | i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Electric |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 272 hp | 335 hp (winner) Most powerful in class |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | FWD (SH-AWD available) | RWD (xDrive AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | TLX | i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 318 mi |
| Fuel tank | 15.9 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | TLX | i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 13.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | TLX | i4 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | TLX | i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | AcuraWatch | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | TLX | i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 75.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | TLX | i4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,400 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the i4 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (335 hp vs 272 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (317 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with BMW
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the TLX or the i4?
On the specs compared here, the i4 makes more sense for most buyers; the TLX doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I love a proper cross-brand matchup, and the TLX against the i4 is exactly that. What tips it for me is that the i4 has 63 hp more power.
Your priorities do the choosing here: the things a spec sheet can’t capture points to the TLX, engine & performance to the i4.
My pick: the i4.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.