While much of the automotive world sits dumbfounded as China gobbles up all its customers, BMW continues to roll out extremely well-crafted, technologically advanced electric vehicles that impress in both drive quality and price. The latest is the BMW iX4, a coupe-shaped SUV that puts a sportier spin on the automaker’s iX3.
The iX4 is the third vehicle to be released on BMW’s next-generation Neue Klasse platform, following the iX3 and i3 models. The iX4 50 xDrive will come first in March 2027, followed by an even more high-performance M60 xDrive version later in the year. The automaker is positioning this new lineup as its bulwark against the flood of Chinese imports that is currently decimating other European brands. But while the iX4 can certainly compete on range and tech, it’s unclear whether BMW can rival China in terms of sheer affordability.
In that respect, the BMW iX4 50 xDrive starts at $66,200 (excluding fees for destination and handling). And it bears all the hallmarks of BMW’s other Neue Klasse models, such as the “Gen6” high-voltage battery with 112.2kWh of usable energy, an 800-volt architecture for lightning-quick charging top-ups, and up to 428 miles of range based on EPA estimates.
That’s more range than the Tesla Model Y, the best-selling electric vehicle in the world. BMW has been blowing away expectations on range to such a degree that even the experts at InsideEVs are left wondering whether it’s overkill. After all, Tesla and others have done plenty well with EVs in the mid-300s, while Lucid continues to struggle despite exceeding 500 miles in range.
But BMW wants to go the distance, believing that range and efficiency are two of its biggest selling points. The third would be performance, and thanks to a dual-motor setup in both the 50 xDrive and M60 xDrive, the iX4 is sure to delivery plenty of giddy up. The 50 xDrive’s motors put out 463 horsepower and 475lb-ft of torque, for a 0–60mph acceleration of 4.7 seconds. Meanwhile, the M60 xDrive’s motors produce 603hp and 645lb-ft of torque, for a 0–60 time a whole second less than the 50 xDrive.
Like other Neue Klasse vehicles, the electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) in the rear axle serves as the primary drive axle, using electricity instead of permanent magnets to power both its stator outer frame and interior spinning rotor. An inverter acts as the brain 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 says this combination helps slash 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 percent increase in energy density compared to the prismatic cells used in BMW’s Gen5 batteries. BMW has eliminated the traditional modules in favor of a “pack-to-open-body” construction where the battery housing serves as the vehicle’s underbody, lowering weight and increasing torsional rigidity.
Like Hyundai and Kia, BMW is building its Neue Klasse EVs to take fast charging to the next level. With its 800V architecture, the iX4 can accept up to 400kWs of DC fast charging, replenishing up to 184 miles of range in 10 minutes, and 10–80 percent charge in just 21 minutes. With a NACS charging port, the iX4 will be compatible with over 80,000 Tesla Supercharger connectors around the world.
The Panoramic iDrive infotainment system is BMW’s redesigned digital dashboard that replaces traditional gauge clusters with a heads-up-style projection along the full width of the lower windshield. The 17.9-inch central touchscreen presents as a free-cut display where you can drag and drop up to six widgets like media, weather, or navigation from the screen directly onto the windshield display.
And like the i3 and iX3, the iX4 can do all sorts of extra stuff, including bidirectional charging with vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home capabilities, an intelligent charging flap that opens when a driver approaches a known charging point, and Plug & Charge for automatic charging at 10 different charging providers.
If you look at the whole package, there’s a lot to like. Sure, the Model Y beats the iX4 in a few categories, most importantly price. It’s a bit quicker off the line, and of course, the Model Y comes with the option for Full Self-Driving (Supervised). BMW has something it calls “Symbiotic Drive,” which it describes as a Level 2 system designed for “fluid, intuitive interaction.” In other words, drivers can adjust the steering or even brake without canceling the automated functions. The iX4 also allows for hands-free driving on the highway — but no point-to-point assisted driving. Not until 2027 at the earliest.
Where BMW still bests Tesla is variety. You can get the iX4 50 xDrive, or if you want something sportier, try the M60 xDrive. If you’re rather have a sedan, there’s the i3. Or if you want something a bit more affordable, there’s the iX3. And don’t forget the flagship 7 series. Yep, those are getting Neue Klasse makeovers as well.
Tesla has the Model 3 and Model Y — and that’s about it. (Yes, there’s the Cybertruck, but clearly most people aren’t interested in that. And there’s the Cybercab, but it won’t be on sale anytime soon.) BMW knows its customers want options. And it’s doing it’s best to deliver.
