Update: The complete story has been revised.
Uncharacteristically, the BMW X4 underwent a complete redesign in June 2018, four years after its initial release. A fully-electric BMW iX4 is reportedly in development as its successor, and here’s everything that’s reported and our expectations from the future EV.
On the BMW X4
In September 2022, BimmerPost forum member and reliable BMW source, ynguldyn, shared that BMW has canceled plans for the third-generation X4 (G46). According to ynguldyn, production of the current second-generation X4 will conclude in November 2025.
Shortly after this, BMW Blog confirmed the news through its own sources, explaining that the projected sales volume was too low for BMW to achieve a satisfactory return on investment. In an interaction with Motor1 Italy in July 2024, a company representative had stated that there is essentially no longer any space in the portfolio for the Sports Activity Coupe.
BMW NA7
According to ynguldyn’s intel, a BMW iX4 is in the pipeline, planned for production at the company’s Hungarian plant in Debrecen from November 2026 until June 2034. Internally, the iX4 goes by the codename ‘BMW NA7,’ and given the SOP timeline, we can say with absolute certainty that it will be a Neue Klasse EV.
Design
As shown in our exclusive renderings in this article, the BMW iX4 should adopt the pared-down design language introduced on the second-generation iX3. Clean, monolithic surfaces, distinctive lighting, and large glass areas would define the exterior of the electric SUV-coupe.
Instead of a traditional kidney grille, the BMW iX4 should feature a 3D sculpture with vertically aligned and backlit contours. Black horizontal surfaces should flank the kidney grille and integrate low-key headlights, with two slanted light signatures on the outer ends.
A fast-sloping roofline, steeply angled rear pillars, and flush door handles should give the side profile a coupe-like appearance. Trapezoidal wheel arches and pronounced shoulders would add contrast and emphasize the SUV’s stance.
Aerodynamic optimizations seen on the iX3 (0.24 Cd), including reduced surfacing and detailed airflow management, combined with the iX4-exclusive coupe-style roofline, could lead to a lower drag coefficient. At the rear, expect horizontally arranged tail lamps extending toward the center. Intricate detailing within the clusters would round up the Neue Klasse lighting design features.
Interior
BMW Panoramic Vision & 3D HUD
The dashboard will likely feature a minimalist surface design and a 17.9-inch parallelogram-shaped central touchscreen with matrix backlight technology and a 3340×1440 pixel resolution. The main interior highlight should be the BMW Panoramic Vision, which projects driving and vehicle information across the lower portion of the windshield. An optional 3D head-up display should complement this system, projecting critical data virtually on the road, directly into the driver’s line of sight.
The iX4’s electronic systems should run on the new BMW Operating System 10, which is designed for quick response and simplified interaction, with fewer inputs required to access functions. Features would include cloud-based navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and multiplayer gaming support.
The EV-specific architecture would enable a flat floor and flexible storage solutions, translating into efficient use of space and an open cabin layout. Both front and rear doors should feature electrically powered door openers located behind the window buttons.
Specifications
Module-less, round battery cells
The BMW iX4 should sport module-less structural battery pack consisting of sixth-generation, 4695 cylindrical cells that offer 20% more energy density. The top variant’s battery pack should have an energy storage capacity of 108.7 kWh (net), enough to cover a distance of over 400 miles, as per EPA’s estimation method.
Charging
The sixth-gen cells of the BMW iX4’s structural battery pack provide a 30% increase in charging speed. With its 800-volt architecture, the battery pack should support ultra-fast charging at up to 400 kW. A 10-80% recharge will likely take just 21 minutes, while a ten-minute session may add around 235 miles of range, as per EPA’s estimation method.
Performance
The BMW iX4 could arrive in the U.S. in a 40 sDrive single-motor RWD variant as well as 40 xDrive and 50 xDrive dual-motor AWD variants. The top variant will likely pack 463 hp and 476 lb.-ft. of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and achieving a top speed of 130 mph.
Bi-directional charging
The BMW iX4 is also expected to offer bi-directional charging, enabling functions such as vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid. The system should also support vehicle-to-load, allowing the SUV-coupe to power external electrical devices.
Frunk
A 58 liter (2.0 cu.ft) frunk should allow customers to keep the EV’s charging cable or other small items that are best stored separately from the cabin, such as a gym bag or a drinks crate.
Price & Release Date
We expect the world premiere of the BMW iX4 in the second half of next year, with the first dealer-bound units for the U.S. arriving in 2027. A starting price of around USD 60,000, with higher-spec models nearing USD 70,000, is a reasonable expectation.
BMW iX4 FAQs
What is the BMW iX4’s release date?
The iX4 will likely start arriving at U.S. dealers in H1 2027, following its global debut in 2026.
What will be the BMW iX4’s price?
We estimate the BMW X4 Electric to start at around USD 60,000.
Which models will be iX4 rivals?
Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the all-electric X4 based.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
