BMW iX4, an electric SUV with more than 800 kilometers of range and capable of charging the batteries in 10 minutes

The new generation of BMW electric vehicles –called Neue Klasse by the Bavarian brand– is leaving everyone stunned. The Munich-based manufacturer was not the first brand to electrify its range, but when it decided to do so, it achieved industrial milestones unimaginable until now. The new iX4 is the most technologically advanced electric SUV ever built, equipped with the sixth generation of BMW's eDrive electric system; new electric motors and a cylindrical battery pack that, associated with the 800 V compatible platform architecture, allows for shorter charging times than ever before and offers more range than ever.

Let's take it one step at a time, though. The new iX4 is the coupe version of the already well-known iX3, with a powerful, sporty, and elegant body that is 4.78 meters long, 1.90 meters wide, and 1.60 meters high, characterized by an already iconic design (elongated hood, double front grille, marked side ribs, and generous wheel arches) that gives the whole an extra dose of style and sportiness. To all this, it must be added that all iX4s come standard with 20-inch wheels and incorporate the M Sport accessory package, which includes red high-performance brakes or various sporty details on the bodywork.

Regarding the interiors, the new iX4 uses a functional and elegant design, presided over by the new BMW Panoramic iDrive system, which merges the Head Up Display or data projection on the windshield with the BMW Panoramic Vision panoramic view system. It also incorporates a 17.9-inch central touch screen and various controls in the form of buttons integrated into the steering wheel functionalities, as well as a new voice command system called Hey BMW reinforced with Alexa+.

As if all this technological arsenal were not enough, the new iX4 also comes standard with a level 2 autonomous driving system that allows driving on the highway at speeds below 130 km/h without having to put your hands on the steering wheel.

Three versions and different features

The entry model for the iX4 will be the so-called BMW iX4 40 xDrive, which features an 82.6 kWh capacity battery and develops 374 hp and 520 Nm of torque thanks to two new-generation electric motors (one on each axle). This entry version already allows for acceleration from 0 to 100 in 5.6 seconds, reaching a self-limited top speed of 200 km/h and a range of 638 kilometers.

The second tier of the new electric SUV coupe from BMW is the 50 xDrive version, which increases the battery capacity to 108.7 kWh, with a range of 812 kilometers, and a power output of 469 hp and 645 Nm of torque. This version accelerates from 0 to 100 in 4.9 seconds and the top speed rises to 210 km/h. It is compatible with fast charging points of up to 400 volts.

But the jewel in the crown of this electric vehicle is the M60 xDrive version, which uses the same 108.7 kWh capacity battery with 777 kilometers of range. The reduction in range for the more powerful version is explained precisely by the increase in power thanks to three electric motors that deliver 612 hp and 875 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 in just 3.9 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h; it also includes careful sports tuning with a specific, firmer and more direct suspension, variable adaptive steering, or a new M differential that distributes torque differently depending on the selected driving mode. This more powerful version also features two specific driving modes called M Sport and M Sport Plus, specifically focused on improving the vehicle's performance.

The first units of the new BMW iX4 are scheduled to arrive in our market in March, with a base price of 70,900 euros for the 40 xDrive entry-level versions and 75,900 euros for the 50 xDrive versions. The Bavarian brand has not yet made public, however, the final price of the M60 xDrive version, which will surely be positioned above the 80,000 or 85,000 euro threshold.