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BMW's X4 becomes electric: meet the iX4
After two generations on the market, BMW's petrol-powered X4 is being retired, and the company is preparing a battery-electric heir: the iX4. Recent renderings give a clear preview of what to expect from this premium compact crossover coupe — a sportier, coupe-like take on BMW's new EV architecture that aims to replace the outgoing X4 in the brand's line-up.
Design: coupe silhouette with familiar BMW cues
The digital images — credited to Kolesa — show an iX4 that mirrors much of BMW's latest EV family design language while adopting the sloping roof and rear treatment that made the X4 distinctive. Key styling highlights include:
- A pronounced arched roofline that tucks toward the rear, giving the iX4 its coupe profile.
- A different tailgate, reshaped rear quarter panels and altered rear three-quarter windows compared with the regular iX4.
- Up front, the small double-kidney grille, headlights, bumper and hood read very familiar — essentially borrowed from the new iX4 body shell.
Aside from a few bespoke details and likely unique wheel options, the two models appear almost identical from the front and side. BMW seems to be balancing visual separation with parts commonality to keep costs and development time down.
Interior: borrowing the iX3's widescreen tech
Inside, BMW looks set to transplant the iX3’s cabin architecture into the iX4. Expect the signature widescreen display mounted low at the base of the windshield, a large center infotainment screen and the four-spoke steering wheel seen on recent BMW EVs. For buyers wanting a more exclusive feel, BMW may offer distinct trim and upholstery packages to draw a finer line between the iX4 and the new iX3.
However, choosing the coupe-like iX4 trades a bit of practicality for style: rear headroom and cargo volume will be reduced compared with the more upright iX3. That’s the familiar compromise for buyers who prioritize design over utility.
Performance and range — what the 50 xDrive brings
The iX4 is expected to share drivetrain choices with the more practical iX3. In 50 xDrive tune, figures reported for the mechanical twin include:
- Power: 463 bhp and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque
- Acceleration: 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in around 4.7 seconds
- Charging: roughly 21 minutes from 10–80% on a fast charger
- EPA-estimated range: around 400 miles (644 km) — a headline number that would be class-leading if confirmed in real-world tests
Those specs place the iX4 squarely in the performance-oriented EV crossover category: quick off the line, capable of rapid DC fast charging and carrying a competitive claimed range.
Market timing and positioning
BMW is reportedly targeting a U.S. on-sale date for the iX4 as a 2027 model. The iX4 will represent BMW’s premium compact crossover coupe offering for customers seeking an EV with sportier looks than a conventional SUV. By sharing much of its underpinnings, technology and even interior layout with the iX3 and other BMW EVs, the iX4 should benefit from economies of scale while delivering a differentiated design.
"The iX4 is BMW’s way of keeping the coupe-crossover spirit alive in an electric era," said one industry observer. "It’s a styling-led variant that still borrows the strengths of BMW’s EV platform."
Highlights at a glance:
- Coupe-like roofline and revised rear panels
- iX3-inspired widescreen interior and infotainment
- 50 xDrive with high-power output and quick charging
- Expected U.S. launch as a 2027 model
If BMW keeps the balance right between style, range and performance, the iX4 could become a compelling option for buyers who want an electric coupe SUV without sacrificing cutting-edge tech. Check the gallery of renderings, and weigh in — would you choose the sleeker iX4 or the more practical iX3?
Source: autoevolution
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