2027 BMW iX4 First Look: Neue Klasse, Old FormulaBMWBMW popularized the coupe-like fastback SUV format, and the company is keeping that trendy look alive in its lineup. Although the gas-powered X4 is gone and may not be replaced, the 2027 iX4 arrives as a style-focused SUV with BMW's latest design, tech, and EV powertrains.What's Old Is NeueThe X4 was essentially a cut-roof X3, and now the iX4 serves as a fashionable version of the iX3. Beyond its 1.1-inch shorter roof, the iX4 has the same wheelbase, overall length, and width as the iX3. Styling remains the main differentiator.A sloping roofline is the iX4's defining feature. It terminates at a sleek angle and tapers to accentuate the rear haunches. The look works with the bluff bodywork to give the iX4 a dramatic, muscular stance. Wide, slim headlights and taillights appear identical to the iX3. To emphasize the sporty posture, the iX4 gets standard M Sport styling, optional on the iX3.BMWAlthough BMW hasn't released interior measurements, that roofline will likely reduce headroom and cargo space compared to the iX3—for some drivers, a worthwhile tradeoff for statement-making looks. However, a small frunk remains for extra storage.Trapezoidal TechInside, the iX4 mirrors the iX3. It has the same 17.9-inch trapezoidal touchscreen running BMW's latest user interface, and the Panoramic Vision display that spans between the A-pillars. Among tech options are a 3D head-up display and Dolby Atmos-enabled Harman Kardon speakers. An available driver-assist upgrade provides hands-free highway driving at up to 85 mph.BMWTouchpoints and switchgear are also shared, including the unusual vertical-spoke steering wheel. One small but useful difference for the iX4 is the adoption of MagSafe for the wireless charging pad, likely headed to the iX3. All of that, along with vegan leather upholstery and backlit fabric trim, lies beneath a full-length glass roof panel.The Third Neue Klasse VehicleUnder the sheetmetal, the iX4 and iX3 are fundamentally identical. Both are based on BMW's next-generation Neue Klasse platform, along with the i3 sedan.Engineered as a dedicated EV, the iX4 uses a 112.2-kWh battery pack containing cylindrical lithium-ion cells. This battery serves as a structural chassis element. Charging through the NACS-linked 800-volt electrical architecture is impressive: Up to 15.4 kW on a home Level 2 charger, and as high as 400 kW on a Level 3 fast charger. Bidirectional charging capability allows the iX4 to serve as a rolling power bank.The iX4 has BMW's so-called Heart of Joy electronic control unit which coordinates every dynamic system. Inputs from the accelerator, brake, steering, and traction and stability controls are combined at single-millisecond speeds in the Heart of Joy for centralized management of driving behavior. Our experience with Heart of Joy in the iX3 suggests it produces a superb experience behind the wheel.Introducing More PerformanceAs in the iX3, the iX4 will start with the 50 xDrive dual-motor AWD powertrain, which has a rear power bias to preserve BMW's acclaimed driving characteristics. It has totals of 463 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, providing an estimated 0–60-mph time of 4.7 seconds. According to BMW, driving range for the iX4 50 xDrive is up to 428 miles, six less than the most efficient iX3.The iX4 can also debuts higher-output powertrain the iX3 doesn't have yet. The new iX4 M60 xDrive likewise uses a dual-motor AWD system, but packs 603 hp and 645 lb-ft. It cuts the 0-60 mph launch to a claimed 3.9 seconds, and elevates top speed from 130 mph to 149 mph. The M60 also gets M-spec adaptive suspension and an electronically controlled rear differential for sharper handling. No driving range estimate is provided, but should still greatly exceed 300 miles.BMWTo further distinguish the iX4 M60 xDrive, BMW equips it with 21-inch wheels, red-painted brake calipers, and additional LED detailing around the grille, headlights, and taillights. Furthermore, it can be optioned with yellow headlight accents like on BMW's endurance race cars, the new 2027 M350 xDrive sedan, and M Concept Neue Klasse that previews the forthcoming M3 EV. BMW gives the iX4 M60 xDrive a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, hinting at a simulated gears function to increase driver involvement.Predictably More ExpensiveLike the X4 to the X3, the iX4 costs more than the iX3 for what's basically the same SUV. The iX4 50 xDrive starts at $67,550, which is $2,200 more than an equivalent iX3 50 xDrive in M Sport trim. That premium is about half what it was between the X4 and X3 previously, so more buyers may be enticed to spend up for iX4's design.The stylish new BMW iX4 will be produced in Debrecen, Hungary, with the 50 xDrive model launching in March 2027 and the M60 xDrive following soon after.Photo credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMWPhoto credit: BMW