Efficiency & Charging
9.5/10
Performance & Driving Dynamics
8.5/10
Interior & Technology
9.5/10
Practicality & Usability
8/10
Value & Running Costs
8.5/10
Overall
9/10
Overview
The BMW iX4 is the third model in the Neue Klasse family and the first electric Coupe from BMW, replacing the ICE X4 as a sleeker sibling to the iX3. It is aimed at style-conscious buyers who want a premium electric crossover with a distinctive silhouette but still need family-car usability. Key rivals include the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron, Polestar 4, Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric and Tesla Model Y. Its headline strength is range, with the 50 xDrive's official 514 miles making it one of the longest range EVs on sale, backed by rapid 800V charging. The trade-offs are a modest reduction in boot space compared with the iX3 and a price firmly in premium territory.
Design
The iX4 keeps the iX3's upright Neue Klasse face, with the kidney grille and twin headlights merged into one illuminated unit, but a roofline now tapers from around the B-pillar that turns the rear into a liftback. A long wheelbase, short overhangs and muscular wheel arches give it a planted stance. Active air flaps, a duck-tail spoiler with the brake light integrated and a standard panoramic glass roof with hidden seals help achieve a drag coefficient of 0.23. Slim L-shaped taillights emphasise the wide stance. Iconic Glow kidneys and 20-inch alloys are standard on the M Sport Pro model. Nine paint finishes are offered at launch, including Eucalyptus Green, Fire Red and Polarized Grey.
Interior
The cabin shares the iX3's driver-focused, reduced architecture, with clean lines, premium materials and climate-comfort glazing on the panoramic roof that makes the space feel light and airy. BMW Panoramic iDrive is the centrepiece, combining the Panoramic Vision display spanning the width of the windscreen, a free-cut 17.9-inch central touchscreen, an optional 3D Head-Up Display and a new multifunction steering wheel with shy-tech controls. Although the four-spoke wheel divides opinion with its touch-sensitive controls. Operating System X runs the whole operation, with a digital assistant from Alexa+ for natural voice commands, 4 years of BMW Digital Premium included, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. M Sport cars feature Veganza and M PerformTex upholstery, heated electrically adjustable front seats and ambient lighting, while M Sport Pro adds 10-way adjustable seats with massage and an illuminated M logo.
Performance & Powertrains
Every iX4 is a dual-motor xDrive, pairing an electrically excited synchronous motor at the rear with a compact unit at the front. BMW's Gen6 eDrive technology promises roughly 30% more range and faster charging than before. The 40 xDrive produces 369bhp and 519Nm, reaching 62mph in 5.6 seconds, with an 83kWh battery giving up to 396 miles of range and 300kW charging that adds up to 187 miles in just 10 minutes. The 50 xDrive steps up to 463bhp and 645Nm for a 4.9-second sprint, and its 108kWh pack delivers up to 514 miles. At 400kW, a 10-80% top-up takes 21 minutes. The Heart of Joy control unit coordinates drive, braking and steering, while a structural battery pack, new five-link rear axle lower the centre of gravity for sharper handling. Regenerative braking can bring the car to a halt in most situations while putting energy back into the battery.
Practicality
The sloping roof costs some versatility, but not drastically. Boot capacity is 490 litres, 30 litres fewer than the iX3, rising to 1,600 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats lowered, and a 58-litre storage area beneath the bonnet is handy for charging cables. The long wheelbase provides generous legroom in both rows, and the cell-to-pack battery design helps protect rear headroom, though taller passengers will notice the roofline more than they would in the iX3. Every model is prepared for bidirectional charging, so the iX4 can act as a mobile power source.
Buying
The 40 xDrive M Sport starts at £60,170 with the 50 xDrive M Sport at £66,075. Standard equipment includes blue M Sport brakes, Comfort Access and a rear-view camera, and M Sport Pro adds red brakes, adaptive LED headlights and an M steering wheel. Worthwhile options include the Technology Plus Package, with three-zone climate control, a 3D Head-Up Display and Harman Kardon sound, along with the hands-free Motorway Assistant and adaptive M suspension. The 40 xDrive undercuts rivals but gives up range and charging speed, whereas the 50 xDrive justifies its premium with 514 miles of range and 400kW capability. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the 50 xDrive M Sport with the Technology Plus Package and adaptive M suspension for the extra range and faster charging.