When BMW introduced the X6, effectively kicking off the so-called coupe crossover craze, it just about sold well enough to justify a smaller version called the X4 in 2010. A decade and a half later, the X4 has been killed off, with the X2 effectively taking its place, but Munich isn’t quite ready to say goodbye to the concept, so with the introduction of Neue Klasse vehicles, the X4 will live on exclusively with electric power, and our spies have captured a prototype thereof, the 2027 iX4, for the first time. The fastback version of the immensely popular iX3 is still some way from being revealed, but these photos give us several clues about what to expect.
Upcoming iX4 Looks More Aggressive Than The iX3
SH Proshots/Autoblog
From the front three-quarter angle, it’s evident that the roofline slopes down all the way to the tailgate (much like the Mustang Mach-E), giving the iX4 a sportier, angrier look than the iX3, and from the rear, muscular arches do the same. We can also see a now-customary panoramic glass roof. The headlights, like the iX3, are clearly based on the design of the Neue Klasse X concept, with elongated, slim kidney grilles residing in the grille-like faceplate between them. Further down, a segmented lower intake opening will feed radiators and other cooling systems, and we can expect a similar fascia to the iX3, with vertically-aligned side intakes for the brakes. Also similar to the regularly shaped crossover is the choice to make the wheel arches slightly squared.
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At the back, a small lip spoiler sits atop the taillights, which are covered in too much camouflage for us to determine whether they will have a unique design to the iX3. A low tailgate opening will make loading luggage and other cargo as easy as possible, though the iX3 will always be more practical. Finally, an open driver window shows what appears to be a squared steering wheel, which will sit behind the expansive Panoramic Vision infotainment system running on Operating System X.
Expect The Same Underpinnings For The iX4 As The iX3
SH Proshots/Autoblog
It remains to be seen if the iX4 will spawn an M version (we know the iX3 will), but this introductory version will match the regular iX3 under the skin, which, in 50 xDrive guise, means two electric motors (asyonchronous front, electrically excited synchronous motor rear) producing a combined 463 horsepower, enough to get to 60 mph from rest in 4.7 seconds. That’s BMW’s estimate, and the Bavarians typically underquote their performance figures, so don’t be surprised if the car feels quicker when you go for a test drive at the dealer sometime next year. It’s unclear if BMW will launch a single-motor variant with more range later, but we should know more in 2026, when the iX4 will be revealed, likely as a 2027 model.
SH Proshots/Autoblog
