Buying an SUV usually means you have made a sensible decision. However, choosing one with a sloping roof suggests you would rather not look like you made a sensible decision. Well, an SUV with a sloping roof like a coupe is exactly what the BMW iX4 is. It is not just an electric SUV coupe, but it is one with a Neue Klasse makeover for those who want the height without quite committing to the shape.
The kidney grille and twin headlights merge into that familiar new face, while the rear gets slim taillights and a pronounced spoiler with an integrated brake light. M Sport equipment comes standard, so even the entry model arrives dressed for something more interesting than school pickup.
There are two versions to start with. The iX4 40 xDrive pairs a rear electrically excited synchronous motor with a front asynchronous motor, delivering 374 hp and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft). Flooring it gets you from naught to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.6 seconds, before running into an electronically limited 200 km/h (124 mph) ceiling.
Its 82.6 kWh usable battery provides up to 638 km (396 miles) of WLTP range. Step up to the 50 xDrive, and you get 469 hp, 645 Nm (476 lb-ft), and a 108.7 kWh battery. The century sprint falls to 4.9 seconds, top speed rises to 210 km/h (130 mph), and range stretches to 828 km (514 miles).
Both roll on 20-inch alloys wrapped in 255/45 R20 tires. DC charging peaks at 300 kW for the 40 and 400 kW for the 50, with either taking a stated 21 minutes to go from 10–80%. AC charging is 11 kW, optionally 22 kW. Obviously, those figures are provisional and configuration-dependent.
But the one for impatient drivers is the upcoming M60 xDrive: 612 hp, 875 Nm (645 lb-ft), and 100 km/h dispatched in 3.9 seconds. It adds adaptive M suspension, an electronically controlled rear locking differential, 21-inch wheels, and racing-inspired yellow lights. Provisional range? Up to 777 km (483 miles).
Creature comforts include a standard panoramic roof, electrically adjustable memory seats, and a 17.9-inch central display. The M60 adds ten-way M Sport seats and a 430-watt, 13-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos.
Prices start at €70,900 for the 40 xDrive and €75,900 for the 50 xDrive [DE]. For fans who can hardly wait, the new BMW iX4 is available to configure. You know, just to keep your interest afloat before it arrives in 2027.
Images: BMW [DE].