BMW unveils iX4 electric SUV with 428-mile range to counter Chinese rivals
BMW has introduced the iX4, a coupe-style electric SUV built on its Neue Klasse platform after the iX3 and i3. The iX4 50 xDrive is set to arrive in March 2027 with a 112.2kWh Gen6 battery, 800-volt charging, and an EPA-estimated 428 miles of range, starting at $66,200. BMW is pitching the model as a response to growing Chinese EV competition, though its pricing may not match China's affordability.
BMW's iX4 follows the iX3 and i3 as the third model on the Neue Klasse architecture. The 50 xDrive arrives first in March 2027, with an M60 xDrive performance variant planned later that year. Both use dual motors; the 50 xDrive produces 463 horsepower and 475 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
Its 112.2kWh usable Gen6 battery and 800-volt system support an EPA-estimated 428-mile range, exceeding the Tesla Model Y. BMW says the rear electrically excited synchronous motor and inverter cut drivetrain energy losses by 40% and weight by 10%. Pricing starts at $66,200 before destination and handling.
The iX4 may influence how buyers weigh range, charging speed, and brand against lower-cost Chinese EVs. Its $66,200 starting price could limit access, so wealthier households and fleet buyers may benefit most. Automakers might respond with longer-range models or price cuts, while charging networks and battery suppliers could see shifting demand. Whether it slows Chinese competition remains uncertain, since affordability may matter as much as technology.