BMW Revives X4 as Electric iX4 Coupe SUV on Neue Klasse Platform

The launch comes less than a year after the last combustion-powered X4 rolled off the line at BMW's Spartanburg plant in the United States in November 2025. BMW spokesman Florian Moser later confirmed that the company would not develop a third-generation gasoline X4. According to ifanr, the original X4 had long occupied an awkward position: it was more expensive than the mechanically related X3, offered less rear headroom and cargo space, and in most markets sold only a fraction of the X3.

The new iX4 uses BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, with three power levels. The entry iX4 40 xDrive produces 275 kW and 520 Nm, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, and has an 82.6 kWh battery. The iX4 50 xDrive raises output to 345 kW and 645 Nm, cuts the 0-100 km/h time to 4.9 seconds, and uses a 108.7 kWh battery. The flagship iX4 M60 xDrive delivers 450 kW and 875 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, and also uses the 108.7 kWh pack.

BMW said the iX4 50 xDrive has a WLTP range of 828 km, while the performance-oriented M60 xDrive has a WLTP range of 777 km. The iX4 adopts an 800-volt electrical architecture. Versions with the larger battery support DC fast charging at up to 400 kW, allowing a 10 percent to 80 percent charge in 21 minutes under ideal conditions. The entry 40 xDrive has a 300 kW fast-charging peak and can add 301 km of range in 10 minutes. All versions include vehicle-to-load capability, with vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid functions available in specific scenarios. AC charging is 11 kW as standard, with 22 kW available as an option.

The iX4 measures 4,782 mm long, 1,895 mm wide and 1,595 mm tall, with a 2,897 mm wheelbase. Its front-to-rear weight distribution is close to 50:50. BMW has made the M Sport package standard across the range, dropping a basic exterior variant. All cars get Neue Klasse-style grille and lighting graphics, blue M sport brake calipers and 20-inch light-alloy wheels. The M60 xDrive is distinguished by yellow daytime running lights derived from GT racing, a black M Shadowline grille, model-specific mirrors and rear spoiler, and standard 21-inch wheels that can be upgraded to 22 inches.

Inside, the iX4 features BMW's panoramic vision bridge and a redesigned central display. A large panoramic glass roof is standard, and the rear seats split 40:20:40. Standard audio is a seven-speaker system with 205 W of output, while the M60 xDrive comes with a 13-speaker Harman Kardon Dolby Atmos system rated at 430 W.

The chassis uses BMW's in-house Heart of Joy central computing unit. BMW says the controller has more than 10 times the computing power of its previous-generation controller and integrates dual-motor output, torque vectoring and electronic damping control into a single processor, reducing command latency and helping the car maintain its stance during high-speed cornering and rapid lane changes. Although the iX3 and iX4 share the Heart of Joy unit, ifanr reported that BMW uses different algorithms for torque distribution and suspension damping. The iX4 is tuned for tighter steering response and cornering support than the comfort-oriented iX3.

European pricing starts at 70,900 euros for the iX4 40 xDrive and 75,900 euros for the longer-range iX4 50 xDrive. BMW plans to open reservations for the M60 xDrive in January 2027. The 40 and 50 versions are scheduled to open for reservation and begin deliveries in March 2027. Chinese market pricing and timing have not been announced.

The original X4 arrived in 2014 as BMW sought to repeat the success of the X6 in the midsize SUV segment. Ifanr reported that the X4's roof was 55 mm lower than the X3's, reducing rear headroom by nearly 30 mm, while cargo capacity fell from 550 liters to 525 liters and the gap with the X3 widened to 170 liters with the rear seats folded. Buyers paid 30,000 to 50,000 yuan more for the coupe-like shape. In the second quarter after the new X3 generation was launched, BMW delivered more than 18,000 X3s worldwide but only about 2,300 X4s. BMW has said the X4 was squeezed by the X3, the larger new X2 and the X6.

In electric form, BMW is presenting the sloping roofline as a functional advantage. Ifanr reported that the iX3 has a drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd, while the iX4 lowers it to 0.23 Cd. With the same 108.7 kWh battery, the iX4 50 xDrive's WLTP range is 23 km longer than the iX3's. BMW has also positioned the iX4 as more sport-focused than the iX3, with different control algorithms despite sharing the central computing unit.