BMW Unveils 2027 iX4 Electric SUV Coupe With 828km Range, 400kW Charging and 612 HP M60 Model
BMW has officially introduced the all-electric iX4, a new SUV coupe combining the company's latest battery technology, high-performance electric motors and a dramatically redesigned interior.
The vehicle is the third model developed under BMW's Neue Klasse program, following the iX3 SUV and the electric i3 sedan. It introduces a more aggressively styled alternative to the iX3 while retaining the advanced electrical architecture and digital technology developed for the company's next generation of vehicles.
The iX4 will reach European and North American markets beginning in March 2027, with several all-wheel-drive configurations planned.
BMW claims the longest-range model can travel up to 828 kilometers, or approximately 514 miles, under Europe's WLTP testing procedure. The company has also confirmed charging capabilities of up to 400 kilowatts, allowing drivers to recover hundreds of kilometers of driving range during a short charging stop.
A high-performance M60 xDrive variant will follow, delivering 612 metric horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
The announcement marks another step in BMW's effort to transform its electric vehicle lineup while preserving the driving characteristics associated with the brand.
A New Electric Successor to the BMW X4
The iX4 effectively revives the concept behind BMW's discontinued combustion-powered X4, replacing its traditional drivetrain with an entirely electric platform.
Like its predecessor, the newcomer combines the elevated driving position of an SUV with the sloping roofline traditionally associated with sports coupes.
However, the resemblance largely ends with the overall body shape.
The iX4 adopts BMW's latest Neue Klasse design language, featuring a simplified front fascia, distinctive lighting elements and a redesigned interpretation of the company's traditional kidney grille.
The front grille and headlights form a unified visual arrangement, creating a broader appearance while reducing the complexity of the surrounding bodywork.
Along the sides, a long wheelbase, short overhangs and pronounced wheel arches emphasize the vehicle's athletic proportions.
The rear receives particularly significant changes, including narrow horizontal taillights, sculpted body panels and a prominent spoiler integrated into the tailgate.
BMW says the design achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.23, an unusually low figure for a relatively tall SUV-style vehicle.
Reducing aerodynamic resistance is especially important for electric vehicles because energy consumption rises considerably at highway speeds.
A more streamlined body can therefore improve driving range without requiring a larger battery.
All iX4 models will include BMW's M Sport exterior package as standard, bringing sportier bodywork, 20-inch alloy wheels and blue brake calipers.
Larger wheels measuring up to 22 inches will be available, although wheel size and tire selection can influence driving range and ride comfort.
The vehicle will also feature a full-length panoramic glass roof with specialized glazing designed to reduce unwanted heat buildup inside the cabin.
Three Electric Powertrains With Up to 612 Horsepower
BMW has confirmed three versions of the iX4, each equipped with two electric motors and an all-wheel-drive system.
The entry-level iX4 40 xDrive produces 275 kilowatts, equivalent to 374 metric horsepower, and develops 520 Nm of torque.
It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h.
Its maximum estimated driving range is 638 kilometers under the WLTP cycle.
Positioned above it is the iX4 50 xDrive, which increases output to 345 kilowatts, or 469 metric horsepower, with 645 Nm of torque.
That additional power reduces acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h to 4.9 seconds.
Its top speed remains electronically limited to 210 km/h, but the larger battery provides a significantly longer driving range.
BMW estimates that the 50 xDrive can travel up to 828 kilometers between charges under favorable WLTP test conditions.
The most powerful version will be the iX4 M60 xDrive.
Developed as an M Performance model, it produces 450 kilowatts, equivalent to 612 metric horsepower, alongside 875 Nm of torque.
The M60 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 3.9 seconds and reaches a maximum electronically limited speed of 240 km/h.
Despite the additional performance, BMW estimates a maximum WLTP range of 777 kilometers.
The M60 receives several additional performance-oriented components, including adaptive M suspension, an electronically controlled rear differential, upgraded brakes and a dedicated driving configuration.
Its appearance is also more aggressive, with optional motorsport-inspired yellow lighting elements, black exterior accents and distinctive aerodynamic components.
All acceleration, output and range figures remain preliminary until final testing and certification are completed.
American Buyers Will Get a Different Model Lineup
BMW's initial U.S. offering differs from the European range.
While European customers will have access to both the 40 xDrive and 50 xDrive, American buyers will initially receive the 50 xDrive.
BMW's U.S. specifications list the model at 463 mechanical horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque.
The difference from the European figure of 469 horsepower reflects the use of different horsepower measurement units rather than a substantial change in performance.
According to BMW's American testing, the iX4 50 xDrive accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
The M60 xDrive will eventually join the U.S. lineup with 603 mechanical horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque.
BMW estimates that it will reach 60 mph in approximately 3.7 seconds.
The company has not confirmed whether the less expensive 40 xDrive will eventually become available in the United States.
New Battery Technology Delivers Longer Driving Range
The iX4 uses the sixth generation of BMW's electric drivetrain technology, commonly known as Gen6 eDrive.
One of its most important improvements involves the transition to cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells.
These cells measure 46 millimeters in diameter and 95 millimeters in height.
BMW claims the new design increases volumetric energy density by approximately 20% compared with the prismatic cells used in its previous generation of electric vehicles.
Greater energy density allows manufacturers to store more electricity within a given amount of space, potentially improving range without increasing battery dimensions proportionally.
The company has also eliminated conventional battery modules.
Instead, individual cells are installed directly into the battery pack, an approach known as cell-to-pack construction.
The battery housing additionally functions as a structural component of the vehicle's underbody.
BMW says this arrangement saves weight and improves body rigidity, both of which can contribute to better efficiency and handling.
In European specifications, the iX4 40 xDrive uses a battery with 82.6 kWh of usable capacity.
The 50 xDrive receives a substantially larger battery rated at 108.7 kWh of usable capacity.
Interestingly, BMW's American documentation lists the 50 xDrive battery at 112.2 kWh, reflecting a difference in the published regional specifications.
Automotive reporting indicates that the underlying battery hardware is shared, although BMW's documentation uses different available-capacity figures.
Regardless of the reported capacity, the longer-range version is designed to support extensive highway journeys with fewer charging interruptions.
BMW Claims Up to 387 Kilometers of Range in Ten Minutes
Rapid charging is one of the iX4's most important technical features.
The vehicle uses an 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing compatible versions to accept substantially higher charging power than many older electric vehicles.
The iX4 50 xDrive supports DC fast charging at up to 400 kW.
According to BMW, a ten-minute charging session under suitable conditions can add enough electricity for approximately 387 kilometers of WLTP driving range.
The high-performance M60 can recover up to 360 kilometers of estimated range during the same period.
The smaller-battery 40 xDrive supports a maximum charging rate of 300 kW and can recover up to 301 kilometers of estimated range in ten minutes.
BMW states that both battery sizes can recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 21 minutes when connected to sufficiently powerful charging equipment.
These figures represent ideal charging conditions rather than guaranteed real-world performance.
Actual charging speed depends on several factors, including battery temperature, remaining charge, ambient conditions and the capabilities of the charging station.
A charger capable of supplying only 150 kW, for example, will not allow the vehicle to achieve its advertised 400 kW peak.
BMW has attempted to address some of these limitations through automated battery preparation.
When the navigation system identifies an upcoming charging stop, the vehicle can begin heating or cooling its battery to reach a more favorable operating temperature.
Drivers can also activate battery preparation manually.
The system provides information about charging readiness, helping owners determine whether the battery is prepared for a high-power charging session.
The iX4 Can Also Supply Electricity to Other Devices
Beyond conventional charging, BMW has equipped the iX4 with bidirectional energy capabilities.
This allows electricity stored in the vehicle's battery to be used for purposes other than driving.
Vehicle-to-Load technology can supply power to compatible electrical equipment through appropriate accessories.
Depending on the market and configuration, the system can provide up to 3.7 kW for external devices.
That could be useful for powering equipment during outdoor activities, temporary work or situations where conventional electricity is unavailable.
The iX4 also supports Vehicle-to-Home functionality through compatible charging hardware.
This enables the battery to supply electricity to a household under suitable conditions.
Additional Vehicle-to-Grid capabilities may allow owners to participate in electricity management programs where supported by local infrastructure and regulations.
These functions could become increasingly valuable as electricity providers introduce more flexible pricing and energy storage arrangements.
However, bidirectional charging requires compatible equipment, and not every function will necessarily be available in every country at launch.
BMW is also introducing a more automated public charging experience.
The vehicle's intelligent charging flap can recognize when the driver approaches a familiar charging location and open automatically.
Meanwhile, Plug & Charge functionality allows compatible charging stations to identify the vehicle and process payments without requiring a separate charging card or smartphone interaction.
The system can manage multiple charging agreements, potentially simplifying long-distance journeys involving different charging networks.
Panoramic iDrive Replaces the Traditional Dashboard Layout
Inside, the iX4 introduces BMW's latest Panoramic iDrive system, powered by the company's Operating System X.
Instead of relying on a conventional digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, the vehicle displays important driving information across the lower portion of the windshield.
BMW calls this technology Panoramic Vision.
The system creates a wide information area that can display driving data, navigation instructions, entertainment details and other customizable information.
A separate 17.9-inch central touchscreen provides access to the vehicle's primary controls and infotainment functions.
An optional three-dimensional head-up display can project additional information into the driver's field of view.
The interface also includes a redesigned steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls and illuminated elements that become active when relevant functions are available.
Drivers can customize the display layout, interior lighting and various vehicle settings through BMW's My Modes system.
The updated voice assistant incorporates artificial intelligence technology, including Amazon Alexa+ integration in supported markets.
BMW says the system can understand more natural conversational requests and provide more context-aware responses.
However, the usefulness of these functions will depend on language support, connectivity and regional availability.
The company has also redesigned the center console, adding a magnetic wireless smartphone charging tray intended to keep compatible devices securely positioned during driving.
Interior entertainment features include optional Dolby Atmos audio through a Harman Kardon sound system.
The M60 version receives a model-specific steering wheel, special instrument displays and dedicated controls for its performance modes.
A New Computer Controls Acceleration, Braking and Handling
One of the most significant developments lies beneath the iX4's bodywork.
The vehicle uses a centralized electronic architecture built around several powerful computers responsible for major driving and vehicle functions.
BMW calls the primary driving dynamics controller the Heart of Joy.
This system coordinates acceleration, electric motor output, regenerative braking and several aspects of vehicle stability.
The manufacturer claims it processes certain driving functions up to ten times faster than its previous control systems.
Traditionally, different vehicle components communicate through multiple electronic control units, each responsible for a particular task.
By integrating more functions into a centralized controller, BMW aims to reduce communication delays and improve coordination between systems.
The result, according to the company, should be more precise handling and smoother transitions between acceleration and braking.
Regenerative braking plays an especially important role.
BMW says the iX4 can perform most routine deceleration without relying heavily on conventional friction brakes.
Instead, its electric motors recover kinetic energy and return electricity to the battery.
A feature called Soft Stop is designed to bring the vehicle to a complete halt without the noticeable final braking movement experienced in some cars.
Whether the improvements produce a substantially better driving experience will become clearer when independent road tests are conducted.
Hands-Free Highway Driving Will Be Available in Selected Markets
The iX4 will support BMW's latest assisted driving technology, including Highway Assistant and Symbiotic Drive.
On approved roads in supported countries, Highway Assistant allows drivers to remove their hands from the steering wheel while the system manages steering, acceleration and braking.
BMW lists operating speeds of up to 130 km/h in certain international markets.
In the United States, the company advertises attentive hands-free highway driving at speeds of up to 85 mph.
The technology remains an SAE Level 2 driver assistance system.
This means the person behind the wheel must continue monitoring the road and remain prepared to intervene whenever necessary.
It is not a fully autonomous driving system.
BMW's Symbiotic Drive technology also allows the driver to make certain steering or braking adjustments without immediately disabling the assistance functions.
The goal is to create a more natural relationship between human input and automated vehicle control.
Additional safety technology includes collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, lane assistance and systems designed to reduce the risk of accidents when opening doors near approaching cyclists.
Some functions will depend on optional equipment, regional regulations and software availability.
Coupe Styling Does Not Eliminate Practicality
Although the iX4 emphasizes its sporting appearance, BMW has attempted to preserve much of the practicality expected from a family SUV.
The vehicle measures approximately 4.78 meters in length, 1.90 meters in width and 1.60 meters in height.
Its wheelbase is approximately 2.90 meters, helping provide interior space for front and rear passengers.
BMW says the electric platform allows it to maintain reasonable rear headroom despite the sloping roof.
Luggage capacity is rated at 490 liters with the rear seats upright.
Folding the rear seats increases usable cargo capacity to approximately 1,600 liters.
A separate storage compartment beneath the front hood provides another 58 liters of space, suitable for charging cables or smaller belongings.
The rear seats use a 40:20:40 split-folding arrangement, making it possible to transport longer items while retaining seating for passengers.
The vehicle can also tow a braked trailer weighing up to 2,000 kilograms, subject to the applicable market specification.
These figures suggest that the iX4 will remain practical for everyday use, although buyers prioritizing maximum rear headroom and luggage space may still prefer the more conventional iX3.
The aerodynamic roofline inevitably creates some packaging compromises compared with an SUV that maintains a taller rear section.
European and American Pricing Has Now Been Confirmed
BMW's new electric coupe SUV will occupy the premium end of the midsize electric vehicle market.
In Germany, the iX4 40 xDrive is expected to start at approximately €70,900.
British pricing begins at £60,170 on the road for the 40 xDrive, while the more powerful 50 xDrive starts at £66,075.
In the United States, BMW has confirmed a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $66,200 for the iX4 50 xDrive.
That figure excludes destination and handling charges.
Including the reported destination charge brings the initial U.S. price to approximately $67,695.
Pricing for the high-performance M60 has not yet been officially announced in the United States.
The iX4 will cost more than the mechanically related iX3, although some of that difference reflects additional standard equipment.
For example, the iX4 includes the M Sport appearance package and panoramic roof, features that can require additional expenditure on other BMW models.
The new vehicle will compete with premium electric crossovers, including the Porsche Macan Electric and Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron.
It will also face competition from less expensive electric SUVs that offer substantial driving range and increasingly sophisticated technology.
Production Will Take Place at BMW's Hungarian Factory
The iX4 will be manufactured at BMW Group's Debrecen plant in Hungary, alongside the electric iX3.
The facility represents an important part of BMW's transition toward its Neue Klasse vehicle architecture.
BMW developed the site around modern electric vehicle manufacturing processes, including advanced automation and an energy strategy intended to reduce reliance on fossil fuels during normal production operations.
The factory began building the iX3 before taking responsibility for additional Neue Klasse models.
Using a shared manufacturing location should allow BMW to take advantage of common vehicle components, battery technology and production methods.
That is particularly relevant because the iX4 and iX3 share significant portions of their underlying engineering.
BMW expects the iX4 40 xDrive and 50 xDrive to reach customers beginning in March 2027.
In the United Kingdom, initial deliveries are scheduled to begin on March 6.
Orders for the M60 are expected to open in January 2027, with production beginning in March and deliveries following through a phased market rollout.
Availability and specifications may differ between countries.
Neue Klasse Is Becoming Central to BMW's Electric Strategy
The arrival of the iX4 demonstrates how quickly BMW is expanding its new generation of electric vehicles.
The iX3 introduced the Neue Klasse architecture to the SUV market, while the electric i3 brings the same technology into the company's traditional sports sedan category.
The iX4 adds a more design-focused option for customers who prefer coupe-shaped SUVs.
Instead of treating electric vehicles as modified versions of existing combustion models, BMW has developed an architecture intended specifically for electric propulsion.
That approach influences everything from battery placement and interior packaging to software controls and charging performance.
It also allows the company to reuse key technologies across several models, potentially reducing development costs while maintaining different designs and price points.
The strategy arrives during a period of intense competition in the global electric vehicle industry.
Established European manufacturers face growing pressure from Chinese companies offering advanced electric vehicles at increasingly competitive prices.
Meanwhile, customers are paying closer attention to charging convenience, battery efficiency, software capabilities and long-term ownership costs.
BMW's response is to focus on higher electrical efficiency, rapid charging and a distinctive driving experience.
The iX4 illustrates both the potential and the limitations of that approach.
Its preliminary range figures and charging capabilities are impressive, but its premium pricing places it beyond the reach of many buyers.
The coupe body also prioritizes appearance over the maximum practicality offered by a more traditional SUV.
For customers already considering an iX3, the choice may ultimately depend on whether the iX4's styling and additional equipment justify the extra expense.
The first independent driving tests will help determine whether the new chassis technology, battery system and electronic controls deliver the improvements BMW is promising.
With sales beginning in March 2027, the iX4 is set to become an important test of whether BMW's Neue Klasse technology can successfully combine long-distance electric performance with the sporting character expected from the brand.
View the attachments for this post at: