BMW’s Next Electric Crossover Is Not the iX3: Meet the Coupe Style iX4

BMW is testing something interesting, and now that camouflaged prototypes have been seen on the road, it is easier to understand what the brand is doing. This upcoming model is essentially the more stylish, coupe-like companion to the new BMW iX3, and it is expected to carry the iX4 name when it goes on sale. Even under heavy camouflage, you can tell BMW wants to give electric buyers the same sloping roofline and sportier stance that we have seen on the BMW X2 and the BMW X6. It is the same idea, just brought into the new generation of electric crossovers.

What makes this project more exciting is that it is not some wild concept. BMW is clearly reusing the front section of the iX3, which makes sense because the iX3 just debuted and already has the latest brand look, including the lights. That means this new model will not change the face too much. The big change will be in the profile. The roof is lower, the rear glass leans more sharply, and the back of the vehicle is pulled in to make it look more athletic. It is the classic BMW fastback treatment, but now in an all electric sport utility vehicle.

Inside and under the skin, this iX4 will be closely related to the iX3. Internally it is said to carry the NA7 designation, which tells us it is developed alongside the new electric crossover family. That also means the powertrain lineup should look familiar. Expect the 40 xDrive and 50 xDrive versions to show up first, giving buyers all wheel drive and solid electric range. Above those, BMW is working on a high performance M60 xDrive version, and there is even talk of an M division model sitting at the top later on, just like what is being prepared for the related iX3.

This model also has an important job in the lineup. The regular combustion powered X4 is slowly being moved aside as BMW pushes harder into electric crossovers. The new, slightly larger BMW X2 will cover part of that space, and this new iX4 will cover the rest for buyers who want something electric and sporty looking. In other words, BMW is not abandoning the idea of a sloped roof crossover. It is just evolving it for the electric era.

The timing is not far out either. The plan is for the new model to be shown next year, which fits with BMW’s larger shift toward its new generation of electric vehicles. So if you like the idea of an iX3 but want something that looks a little more dramatic, this is the one to watch.