While much of the automotive world remains stunned as China gobbles up all of its customers, BMW continues to roll out extremely well-designed and technologically advanced electric vehicles that impress with both their ride quality and their price. The latest is the BMW iX4, a coupe-shaped SUV that gives a sportier touch to the automaker’s iX3.
The iX4 is the third vehicle to launch on BMW’s next-generation Neue Klasse platform, following the iX3 and i3 models. The iX4 50 xDrive will first arrive in March 2027, followed by an even higher-performance M60 xDrive version later in the year. The car manufacturer is positioning this new range as its bulwark against the flood of Chinese imports which is currently decimating other European brands. But while the iX4 can certainly compete on range and technology, it’s unclear whether BMW can compete with China on affordability.
In this regard, the BMW iX4 50 xDrive starts at $66,200 (excluding destination and handling charges). And it carries all the features of BMW’s other Neue Klasse models, like the high-voltage “Gen6” battery with 112.2 kWh of usable energy, an 800-volt architecture for ultra-fast recharges, and up to 428 miles of range according to EPA estimates.
That’s more range than the Tesla Model Y, the world’s best-selling electric vehicle. BMW has exceeded range expectations so much that even experts at Inside electric vehicles wonder if this is exaggerated. After all, Tesla and others did a lot of good with electric vehicles in the mid-300s, while Lucid continues to struggle despite having a range exceeding 500 miles.
But BMW wants to go the distance, believing that range and efficiency are two of its main selling points. Third would be performance, and thanks to a dual-motor setup in the 50 xDrive and M60 xDrive, the iX4 is sure to provide plenty of giddiness. The 50 xDrive’s engines produce 463 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, for 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.7 seconds. Meanwhile, the M60 xDrive’s engines produce 603 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, which is 0-60 times a full second less than the 50 xDrive.
Like other Neue Klasse vehicles, the rear axle’s electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) serves as the main drive axle, using electricity instead of permanent magnets to power both the outer stator frame and the rotating inner rotor. An inverter acts as the brains of the system, converting direct current from the battery into alternating current for the motor, regulating the electromagnets, and monitoring performance to keep the motor running as efficiently as possible. BMW claims that this combination helps reduce drive system energy losses by 40 percent and weight by 10 percent.
The Gen6 batteries are built with cylindrical lithium-ion cells measuring 46mm in diameter and 95mm in height that provide a 20% increase in energy density compared to the prismatic cells used in BMW’s Gen5 batteries. BMW has eliminated traditional modules in favor of pack-to-open-body construction in which the battery box serves as the vehicle’s underbody, reducing weight and increasing torsional rigidity.
Like Hyundai and Kia, BMW is building its Neue Klasse electric vehicles to take fast charging to the next level. With its 800V architecture, the iX4 can accept up to 400kW of DC fast charging, restoring up to 184 miles of range in 10 minutes and a 10-80% charge in just 21 minutes. Featuring a NACS charging port, the iX4 will be compatible with more than 80,000 Tesla Supercharger connectors worldwide.
The Panoramic iDrive infotainment system is BMW’s redesigned digital instrument cluster that replaces traditional gauge clusters with a head-up projection across the entire width of the lower windshield. The 17.9-inch central touchscreen presents itself as a free-standing display where you can drag and drop up to six widgets such as media, weather or navigation from the screen directly onto the windshield screen.
And like the i3 and iX3, the iX4 can do all sorts of extra things. thingincluding two-way charging with home charging and vehicle capabilities, a smart charging flap that opens when a driver approaches a known charging point, and Plug & Charge for automatic charging from 10 different charging providers.
If you look at the whole thing, there’s a lot to like. Sure, the Model Y beats the iX4 in a few categories, especially price. It’s a bit faster and of course the Model Y comes with the option of fully autonomous (supervised) driving. BMW offers something it calls “Symbiotic Drive,” which it describes as a Level 2 system designed for “smooth and intuitive interaction.” In other words, drivers can adjust steering or even brake without overriding automated functions. The iX4 also allows hands-free driving on the highway, but no point-to-point assisted driving. Not before 2027 at the earliest.
Where BMW still outperforms Tesla is variety. You can get the iX4 50 xDrive, or if you want something sportier, try the M60 xDrive. If you prefer a sedan, there’s the i3. Or if you want something a little more affordable, there’s the iX3. And don’t forget the flagship Series 7. Yes, these are also getting a facelift in the Neue Klasse.
Tesla has the Model 3 and the Model Y – and that’s it. (Yes, there’s the Cybertruck, but clearly most people aren’t interested. And there’s the Cybercab, but it won’t be on sale anytime soon.) BMW knows its customers want options. And he does his best to keep his promises.
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