BMW has expanded its electric line-up with the arrival of the iX4 coupe SUV, a bodystyle based on the existing iX3. The new model follows the same production line in Debrecen, Hungary, but differs from its sibling behind the front seats. The roofline of the iX4 slopes downward, mirroring the design of BMW’s traditional “Sports Activity Coupe” models like the X4 and X6. This change reduces rear headroom and cuts boot capacity by 30 litres to 490 litres. With the rear seats folded, the space drops to 1600 litres.
Same Display, New Shape
The interior of the iX4 is lifted directly from the iX3. It retains the domineering 17.9-inch touchscreen display and the continuous band of the panoramic iDrive driver’s display along the base of the windscreen. The unique steering wheel design is also carried over, featuring the same unusual profile. BMW states that its cell-to-pack battery design helped keep rear headroom reduction to a minimum despite the roofline change.
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Powering the iX4 range starts with the 40 xDrive model. This variant uses an 87kWh battery and two electric motors to produce 369bhp and 520Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 5.6 seconds. The 40 xDrive achieves a combined WLTP range of 396 miles. It supports 300kW charging, which theoretically allows for 187 miles of range in 10 minutes on a suitable charging station.
Range and Speed Upgrades
Stepping up to the 50 xDrive introduces a 113kWh battery pack. This model increases power to 462bhp and 645Nm, improving the 0-62mph time to 4.9 seconds. The larger battery extends the range to 514 miles and supports 400kW charging. Both the 40 and 50 xDrive models are available exclusively with all-wheel drive.
The most significant addition is the M60 xDrive flagship variants for both the iX3 and the iX4. These models utilize the 113kWh battery but benefit from the new M Performance powertrain. Output jumps to 604bhp and 875Nm of torque. This allows for a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 149mph. The official range figures are 460 miles for the iX3 and 483 miles for the iX4, with the latter being slightly more efficient due to its aerodynamic profile.
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While the M60 models are available now, BMW has hinted that the full-blown M and iX4 M variants could arrive later. These may eventually borrow the quad-motor powertrain and chassis modifications from the new electric M3, which is capable of over 1000bhp. For the current M60s, the upgrades include bespoke spring and damper settings, M Sport brakes, variable ratio steering, and an M differential to manage power delivery to the rear wheels.
The interior receives M Sport seats and a steering wheel updated with a 12-o-clock marker and buttons for selecting M Sport and M Sport Plus modes. Priced at a hefty £4,500 premium over the equivalent iX3, it’s just over £60,000 for the base 40 xDrive model. Prices for the M60 variants are yet to be confirmed.
