Last year BMW discontinued the X4 crossover, but it was clear the compact coupe-style model would not stay gone for long. Rumors said the X4 would return as an EV, and that can now be confirmed officially. The iX4 debuts as the first fully electric X4 and uses the same Neue Klasse platform as the iX3. A classic gasoline version may follow later. For now, here is the one already shown.
Long range and high power
Like the related iX3, the iX4 50 xDrive makes 463 hp and 644 Nm from two electric motors. On its 112.2 kWh battery the iX4 is expected to travel about as far as the iX3. BMW targets roughly 689 km of range. How close that is to reality will come from tests.
Neue Klasse architecture enables 400 kW charging: 10 to 80% in 21 minutes. In 10 minutes the iX4 can add about 296 km of range. BMW says the 50 xDrive hits 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 209 km/h.
Slightly after launch, a top iX4 M60 is expected. Power rises to 603 hp and 875 Nm. That version takes 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, with a 240 km/h top speed.
Size and a new cabin
In cabin layout the iX4 largely mirrors the iX3. It gets the latest Panoramic iDrive with Operating System X. Under the windshield sits the same huge display.
A quick note: this is not a screen. The image is projected from below, from the dash. A three-dimensional head-up display is optional.
M60 buyers can order a special M Sport steering wheel. Neither the iX3 nor the iX4 50 gets it. It has a red 12-o’clock mark, red stitching, shift paddles, and Boost Mode and M Mode buttons. M60 also offers M Sport seats with an illuminated M logo and massage.
The practical side
Like the old X4, the iX4 looks a lot like the iX3 it is based on, especially up front. The main difference is at the rear: the iX4 has a more coupe-like roof line, which traditionally cuts cargo volume.
BMW quotes 490 liters for the iX4, up to 1,600 with the rear seats folded. The iX3 offers 520 and up to 1,750 liters. That is 30 liters less in normal use and 150 liters less with seats down.
Even more M hardware
Beyond the extra power, the M60 gets other things people expect from an M badge. It rides on Adaptive M Suspension; for the 50 that suspension is optional.
Options also include variable-ratio sport steering. Only the M60 gets an M Sport rear differential and Sport Plus drive mode. With the paddles the driver can tune M eDrive to make the iX4 more aggressive.
Every iX4 comes with an M Sport package as standard: 20-inch M wheels and, on request, blue brake calipers. The iX4 M60 sits on 21-inch wheels by default, with red or blue calipers. For more presence, yellow M headlights are available on the 60.
At launch BMW offers nine colors: Eucalyptus Green, Vegas Red, Polarized Grey, Frozen Pure Red, Frozen Ocean Wave Blue, and Frozen Space Silver. More BMW Individual colors will follow. The Iconic Glow pack, standard on the 60, lights the kidney grille and adds rear lights with a welcome animation.
Specs and prices
Dimensions: 4,782 × 1,895 × 1,595 mm, wheelbase 2,897 mm
Performance: 40 xDrive: 275 kW / 374 hp, 0–100 km/h in 5.6 s; 50 xDrive: 469 hp, 645 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 4.9 s, 210 km/h; M60 xDrive: 612 hp, 875 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 3.9 s, 240 km/h
Curb weight: 2,185 kg (40 xDrive), 2,305 kg (50 xDrive). BMW has not published the M60 figure
Battery: 82.6 kWh and up to 638 km for 40 xDrive; 108.7 kWh, up to 828 km for 50 xDrive and up to 777 km for M60
Prices in Germany: from €70,900 (40 xDrive), from €75,900 (50 xDrive). M60 pricing not yet announced
