Preview: 2027 BMW iX4 Is a Sleeker Version of the iX3 SUV

Like the iX3, the new iX4 promises fast charging–when available–and, at least for the iX4 50, a long driving range. It’s no surprise the coupe-like iX4 has strong performance numbers, as the “4” versions of BMW’s lineup are the sportier counterparts of the slightly slower, more compliant 3 versions (think 3 Series and 4 Series, X3 and X4).

We liked our experience driving BMW’s different EVs (iX, i4, i5), and expect that this new generation of technology won’t be a step backward in electric capability.

If there are places of concern, it’s the integration of artificial intelligence and the lack of physical controls. 

The extensive use of machine learning to detect user habits–such as when you’re most likely to open the charging flap–means it will need to collect a lot of data on its users. Not everyone will be comfortable with this kind of extensive data collection, particularly when frequently visited locations can paint a vivid picture of your daily schedule. BMW has said these habit-learning features can be disabled, but that also means skipping some of the iX4’s defining features. (We’ll have to wait to see how well these features work in practice, and whether they suit CR’s multiple testers–all of whom have different vehicular preferences.)

We’re not fans of the touch-sensitive control pads like those on the iX4’s steering wheel. These pads are typically very easy to unintentionally engage if you brush them during routine steering maneuvers. The large central display gives us hope that onscreen functions will be easier to see at a glance, but just how readable those features are remains something we’ll have to keep an eye on in testing. 

BMW is continuing to shed the twin-kidney grilles that have grown massively larger with each new model and generation. Instead, it’s going back to two relatively small grilles, similar to what was found on older models like the BMW 2002.

The iX4 features two angled headlights on each side of the SUV’s nose, which mimics the placement of the four round headlamps on classic BMWs. 

More restraint is the main theme here, with BMW’s new design language having fewer character lines, scoops, and the like. This isn’t to say the exterior is free of extra design flourishes, though: lines that add a more squared-off appearance to the wheel arches, blacked-out details on the lower portions of the front and rear bumpers, aggressive-looking front air intakes, a roof spoiler, and a bump-out in the rear for the taillights. The center of the SUV is defined by a pair of creases that extend from the BMW roundel logo on the front to the center of the rear hatch. The coupe-like silhouette features a large glass panel on the hatchback, which, when combined with the sloping roofline, further differentiates the iX4 from the iX3.

Each version of the iX4 comes with a rear spoiler. BMW claims the iX4 50’s spoiler will assist with downforce but also optimize driving range. On the other hand, the iX4 M60’s spoiler will feature a different design intended to improve downforce, resulting in better handling.

Both SUVs will feature slim, minimalist lights that run from the rear fenders to the center of the hatchback, stopping just before the BMW badge.

The iX4 50 comes standard with the M Sport package, which includes 20-inch alloy wheels, and owners can add blue- or red-painted brake calipers. The iX4 M60 will come with 21-inch wheels and M Sport brakes with red-painted brake calipers, with blue ones available as an option. Different 20-, 21-, and 22-inch wheels will also be available.

The iX4 seats five passengers, though headroom will likely be tight for rear-seat passengers. The dashboard is dominated by a massive 17.9-inch, rhomboid-shaped central infotainment touchscreen, which keeps certain functions readily accessible on the screen without requiring users to dig through multiple menus. 

Behind the screen is the long, horizontal display for BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive system, which includes both the standard driver’s information display and additional information in a band extending to the passenger side of the vehicle. This display is slightly different from the usual screens in a car, as it is a single black printed surface onto which information is projected, allowing for 3D effects. It sits closer than where a head-up display would typically appear, although BMW offers an optional head-up display that projects information onto the windshield in the driver’s direct line of sight. 

The new system allows occupants to customize which in-car apps or information (such as the voice assistant, weather, or stereo) are displayed across the upper band. Users can customize sounds and lights as well, and the effects are pretty special, with interior lights that can turn on when the driver reaches across the vehicle at night. It all runs on a new BMW Operating System X that debuts with the car, which can handle over-the-air updates as needed and download apps for use in the car, including games specifically designed for in-car use while parked. The BMW can connect to a hotspot or WiFi signal, or it can use an optional unlimited data plan. 

We’re disappointed that there are no physical controls for the climate system. Not all controls are touchscreen-based; there are also physical controls for the gear selector, front and rear defrosters, hazard warning lights, parking brake, windows, exterior mirrors, and stereo volume. Basic functions like windshield wipers and turn signals are on regular stalks.

The steering wheel also features touch-sensitive controls for driver assistance, infotainment, and communications, with each touchpad lighting up when the corresponding controls are available. While these have haptic feedback that confirms when you’ve pressed one, we’ve found that touch-sensitive controls are frustratingly easy to engage by accident compared with regular buttons, especially on the steering wheel. 

The interior is awash in unique design details, from the backlit textile dashboard to the rhombus-shaped screen. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad that uses a magnet to secure a smartphone, keyless entry, an alarm system, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Key options include a tinted panoramic moonroof with UV protection, three-zone automatic climate control, a 13-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system, and a heated steering wheel. 

Like the iX3, the iX4 should be one of the most advanced EVs on the market, with DC fast charging speeds of up to 400 kilowatts and a BMW-claimed driving range of up to 428 miles (depending on wheel and tire choice). The new model launches in iX4 50 xDrive trim, an all-wheel-drive version with two motors: one in the front and one in the rear. Combined, these motors output 463 hp and 473 lb.-ft. of torque, with a claimed 0-to-60-mph acceleration time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph.

The iX4 M50’s dual motors produce 603 hp and 645 lb.-ft. of torque, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 3.7 seconds.

The iX4 rides on a new 800-volt platform designed specifically for EVs. BMW’s latest lithium-ion batteries use cylindrical cells that are more energy-dense and efficient than those the automaker previously used. The low-mounted 112.2-kilowatt-hour battery pack is part of the vehicle structure, which keeps the center of gravity low and typically results in better handling.

That 400-kW peak charging rate enables the iX4 to go from a 10 to 80 percent state of charge in as little as 21 minutes at an 800-volt DC fast-charging station, and can add approximately 185 miles of range in only 10 minutes. Its onboard charger also supports a maximum AC charging rate of 19.2 kW.

The iX4 has a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port compatible with the Tesla Supercharger network, and it will include a Combined Charging System (CCS) adapter for the other most common fast-charging plug. The vehicle has plug-and-charge capabilities that enable users to simply plug the vehicle into compatible public chargers and have it bill automatically to a linked payment source. 

BMW says its charging flap will use artificial intelligence to automatically open and close based on the vehicle’s charging intent. We’ll have to see how accurate these predictions really are when we test the vehicle, and for those who would rather not wait for the car to figure it out, you can still open the charge port door yourself. 

Another feature of the iX4 is bidirectional charging. Vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home capabilities enable the EV to power electrical devices, serve as backup power for a home in a blackout, and store energy generated by a home’s solar panels. It’s also set up for vehicle-to-grid, where the iX4 can feed energy back into the electrical grid, possibly saving cash on power bills when it’s plugged in at home. An adapter for both charging and discharging the battery on multiple plug types comes standard with the vehicle. 

With the optional tow hitch, the iX4 can tow up to 4,400 pounds, but as with all EVs, we expect that doing so will substantially lower its driving range.

BMW’s Active Driving Assistant Plus suite of active safety and driver assistance features is standard on the i4X, and it includes automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning (BSW), lane keeping assistance (LKA), and exit warnings (which alert you to possible dangers as you leave the vehicle and can prevent you from dooring a cyclist). The suite also includes convenience features such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane centering assistance (LCA).

The iX4 even has safety features for use while parked. The optional Security Assistant will send a notification through the car’s connected My BMW App in the event of a theft attempt or door ding while parked, and the car’s cameras can record exterior footage of any collisions or attempted break-ins.