BMW's Electric Future Revealed: Neue Klasse Powers 2027 iX4 Debut

The 2027 BMW iX4 marks the brand's continued commitment to the coupe-like fastback SUV segment, bringing a stylish electric vehicle (EV) to the market as a counterpart to the iX3. While the gas-powered X4 is phased out, the iX4 ensures this trendy aesthetic remains a core part of BMW's lineup, featuring the company's latest advancements in design, technology, and EV powertrains built on the cutting-edge Neue Klasse platform.

Embodying the "What’s Old Is Neue" philosophy, the iX4 essentially functions as a more fashionable iteration of the iX3, much like the X4 was to the X3. It shares the same wheelbase, overall length, and width as the iX3, but distinguishes itself with a 1.1-inch shorter roof. Styling is the primary differentiator, highlighted by a dramatic, sloping roofline that tapers to accentuate the rear haunches, creating a muscular and dynamic stance. The iX4 also features wide, slim headlights and taillights, which appear identical to those on the iX3. To further emphasize its sporty posture, the iX4 comes standard with M Sport styling, an option available on the iX3.

Inside, the iX4’s cabin mirrors that of the iX3, incorporating the same advanced trapezoidal technology. Dominating the dashboard is a 17.9-inch trapezoidal touchscreen running BMW’s latest user interface, complemented by the expansive Panoramic Vision display stretching between the A-pillars. Tech options include a 3D head-up display and a premium Dolby Atmos-enabled Harman Kardon sound system. For enhanced convenience, an available driver-assist upgrade offers hands-free highway driving at speeds up to 85 mph. Shared touchpoints and switchgear extend to the unusual vertical-spoke steering wheel. A small but practical improvement unique to the iX4 is the adoption of MagSafe for its wireless charging pad, a feature likely to be integrated into the iX3 in the future. The interior is further refined with vegan leather upholstery and backlit fabric trim, all beneath a full-length glass roof panel. It is important to note that the distinctive sloping roofline will likely result in reduced headroom and cargo space compared to the iX3, a trade-off many drivers might find worthwhile for its statement-making looks. A small frunk provides additional storage space.

Underneath its sculpted sheetmetal, the iX4 is fundamentally identical to the iX3, both being the latest vehicles based on BMW’s next-generation Neue Klasse platform, alongside the i3 sedan. Engineered from the ground up as a dedicated EV, the iX4 utilizes a substantial 112.2-kWh battery pack composed of cylindrical lithium-ion cells. This advanced battery not only powers the vehicle but also serves as a structural chassis element, enhancing rigidity. The iX4 boasts impressive charging capabilities through its NACS-linked 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing for up to 15.4 kW on a home Level 2 charger and a remarkable 400 kW on a Level 3 fast charger. Furthermore, its bidirectional charging capability enables the iX4 to function as a versatile rolling power bank.

Driving dynamics are managed by BMW’s innovative "Heart of Joy" electronic control unit. This sophisticated system coordinates every dynamic aspect of the vehicle, combining inputs from the accelerator, brake, steering, and traction and stability controls at single-millisecond speeds. This centralized management ensures precise and immediate responses, translating into a superb and engaging experience behind the wheel, a characteristic also observed in the iX3 with this advanced system.