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BMW's new electric coupe-SUV arrives as a sleeker iX3
The 2027 BMW iX4 has reappeared in fresh spy photos, this time captured in a company parking area and still wrapped in considerable camouflage. While the latest scoops don’t expose every detail, they reinforce what early renderings already hinted at: the iX4 will be a sportier, lower-roofed counterpart to the new-generation iX3 — essentially an electric coupe-SUV aimed at buyers who want sharper styling over maximum practicality.
Design: sharper silhouette, familiar face
From what the prototypes reveal, BMW seems content to reuse much of the iX3’s front end, including its fascia and lighting architecture, while differentiating the profile. Expect a pronounced sloping roofline arching behind the B-pillars, revised rear three-quarter windows, reshaped quarter panels and a dedicated tailgate and rear screen. Rear bumpers and taillight clusters are likely to mirror the iX3 to save development costs, but the iX4’s fastback shape will give it a more athletic presence.
"Think of the iX4 as the sportier sibling that borrows the iX3's DNA but dresses it in a coupe-like silhouette."
The trade-off for that sleeker roof will be reduced cargo volume behind the rear seats and slightly less headroom for rear passengers — a familiar compromise in coupe-style SUVs. If practicality is your priority, the iX3 will remain the better choice.
Interior and tech: largely shared, with subtle differences
Under the skin and inside the cabin the iX4 appears to borrow heavily from the iX3. Steering wheel design, dashboard layout, door trims and the center console are expected to be nearly identical. Notable tech cues will include an extra-wide display positioned low on the windshield that stretches between the A-pillars and a large, tablet-style infotainment screen for the dashboard.
BMW may carve out a narrow premium tier for the iX4 with exclusive upholstery options, trim finishes and colorways to emphasize its sportier character, but the overall architecture of the interior should stay familiar to iX3 buyers.
Performance and range: likely the same powertrain lineup
The iX4 is anticipated to share powertrain options with the iX3. The launch variant is widely expected to be the 50 xDrive model, featuring dual electric motors producing around 463 hp (345 kW) and roughly 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque. That setup should deliver a 0–60 mph sprint in approximately 4.7 seconds, a top speed near 130 mph (209 km/h) and an EPA-estimated range in the region of 400 miles (644 km) — figures that closely mirror the iX3’s quoted performance.
Market positioning and timing
BMW looks set to slot the iX4 where the second-generation X4 left off: offering a more emotional, design-forward alternative to a mainstream crossover. The iX4 is expected to debut as a 2027 model, which means an official reveal could happen sometime in 2026 ahead of dealership arrivals.
Highlights:
- Sportier fastback profile compared to the iX3
- Shared interior and infotainment hardware
- Likely 50 xDrive dual-motor launch with ~463 hp
- Compromised rear headroom and cargo space vs iX3
For buyers, the choice will be straightforward: choose the iX4 if you prioritize style and road presence; stick with the iX3 for maximum rear-seat comfort and utility. In an increasingly crowded electric SUV market, BMW’s strategy of offering two closely related variants lets the brand appeal to distinct buyer tastes without reinventing core engineering.
Expect more detailed photos and official specs as BMW moves closer to the public unveiling. Until then, the iX4 remains an intriguing blend of coupe-like design and high-voltage performance — a tailored alternative for EV shoppers who want to turn heads as they cover the miles.
Source: autoevolution
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