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BMW's New Electric iX4 Debuts With 603 HP, Outpacing Old X4 M
BMW has revived the X4 as an electric vehicle under its Neue Klasse line. The new iX4 M60 xDrive produces 603 horsepower, making it the most powerful X4 ever built, though its top speed trails the old gas-powered X4 M.
BMW has resurrected the X4 as a fully electric vehicle, marking the model's return after a period of uncertainty about its future. The new iX4 joins BMW's Neue Klasse generation of EVs and debuts as the most powerful X4 ever produced, according to specifications released by the automaker.
The iX4 M60 xDrive delivers 603 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the previous generation's X4 M Competition, which produced 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet. The new electric model accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, just shy of the 3.8-second time BMW estimated for the 2021 X4 M Competition. However, the iX4's top speed of 149 mph falls well short of the gas-powered X4 M's 178 mph.
Dimensionally, the iX4 is only marginally larger than the G02 X4 it replaces. It is half an inch longer, less than an inch wider, and actually stands half an inch shorter than the outgoing model. The wheelbase grows by two inches, which should benefit interior space. The new model rides on larger 22-inch wheels, up from the previous generation's offerings.
The exterior design represents a clean break from the old X4. The iX4 adopts a higher beltline that gives it a more upright stance, and it loses the M mirrors and roof spoiler found on the previous M and M Performance variants. The sloping rear hatch terminates in a subtle spoiler on standard models, with a more pronounced unit on M60 versions. The tail lights are slightly larger than those on other Neue Klasse models.
Inside, the iX4 features a panoramic glass roof that replaces the old X4's smaller, opening unit. The steering wheel and haptic button layout are likely to divide opinion, as BMW has moved away from traditional physical controls. Leather remains optional. Cargo and passenger space are not expected to change significantly from the previous generation.
Technology upgrades include AI-assisted voice commands and a Panoramic Display that replaces the driver's side gauge cluster entirely. Both the old and new X4 offer built-in navigation, app integration, a head-up display, and wireless phone charging, so the practical differences are modest despite the visual overhaul.
The iX4's powertrain shares key specifications with the recently announced iX3 M60 xDrive, which also produces 603 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque. Both models support DC fast charging at up to 400 kW and AC charging at 15.4 kW. The iX3 M60 uses a 112.2 kWh battery pack, though BMW has not yet released range or charging time figures for either performance model.
The shift to electric power means the iX4 abandons the inline-six and V8 engines that defined previous X4 M models. The trade-off is instant torque and lower running costs, but also the loss of the high-revving character and exhaust note that appealed to traditional buyers. BMW has not announced pricing or a market launch date for the iX4.
For BMW, the iX4 represents a bet that sporty SUV buyers are ready to embrace electric performance. The Neue Klasse platform is central to the company's EV strategy, and the X4's revival as an EV signals that even niche models will transition away from combustion engines. Whether longtime X4 fans follow along remains an open question.
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