BMW iX4: A Grand Tourer, Not Just an SUV






BMW's 2027 iX4 is set to redefine expectations within the electric vehicle market, diverging from the typical SUV form factor to embrace a more dynamic grand tourer aesthetic. This upcoming model, recently observed undergoing tests in Germany, signifies a fresh design direction for the brand's electric portfolio. It will inherit cutting-edge electric powertrain and battery technology from BMW's Neue Klasse platform, promising enhanced performance and range. The iX4 is poised to succeed the existing X4, introducing a blend of sporty design and advanced electrification to a new generation of drivers.
The 2027 BMW iX4 is a key component of BMW's ambitious plan to refresh its electric vehicle offerings. As part of the Neue Klasse generation, it will join other new models like the iX3 SUV and i3 sedan. This entirely electric successor to the X4 will be available in two all-wheel-drive configurations, the 40 xDrive and 50 xDrive, each providing distinct performance profiles and driving ranges. These variants will benefit from BMW's most recent advancements in battery chemistry, motor technology, and vehicle architecture, ensuring a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.
Early glimpses of the iX4 reveal a design language that emphasizes elegance and aerodynamic efficiency. Captured during road tests in Munich, images highlight the vehicle's rakish roofline, which contributes to its grand tourer appearance, setting it apart from the more utilitarian iX3 SUV. The iX4 features BMW's distinctive updated four-eyed kidney grille, signaling its integration into the Neue Klasse family. This stylistic shift underscores BMW's intent to offer a sportier, coupe-like alternative in the electric crossover segment, prioritizing sleek lines over traditional bulky SUV proportions.
While specific details about the interior of the iX4 remain under wraps, it is anticipated to mirror the sophisticated cabin design of its sibling, the iX3. This implies the inclusion of a large 17.9-inch central touchscreen display, an innovative steering wheel, and BMW's advanced Panoramic Vision 3D Head-Up Display. These features are designed to create an immersive and technologically rich driving environment. Performance-wise, drawing parallels with the iX3 50 xDrive, which boasts a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system delivering 463 horsepower and 676 lb-ft of torque, the iX4 is expected to offer compelling power. Its 800V architecture will support rapid DC fast charging, allowing for significant battery replenishment in approximately 21 minutes, ensuring practicality for long-distance travel.
The iX4 is projected to offer an impressive driving range, likely exceeding 400 miles (EPA-estimated) and potentially over 500 miles under WLTP conditions, thanks to its shared Neue Klasse underpinnings and advanced battery technology. While pricing will be announced closer to its official launch, the iX4 is expected to be positioned slightly above the iX3, which starts at around $61,500 in the US. With its debut anticipated by the end of the year or early 2027, the 2027 BMW iX4 is poised to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle market, blending luxury, performance, and forward-thinking design.