BMW unveils iX4 SUV with 430 miles of EPA range

BMW has revealed the iX4, the third Neue Klasse model after the iX3 and i3, and it clearly has the Tesla Model Y in its sights. The SUV launches in the US in March as the iX4 50 xDrive, with a powerful M60 xDrive following shortly after.

BMW iX4 range and specs

The iX4 50 xDrive pairs a 322 hp electric motor at the rear with a 165 hp one at the front. Combined output is 463 hp and 475 lb ft of torque, good for 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a 130 mph top speed. A 112.2 kWh battery with BMW’s cylindrical cells feeds both motors, and EPA estimates peg the SUV at up to 428 miles of range. For comparison, the longest-range Model Y, the Premium RWD, is rated at 357 miles by the EPA.

Charging is where the iX4 really pulls away, though, as the 800V system accepts 400 kW, adding up to 184 miles in ten minutes and going from 10 to 80 percent in 21 minutes. Bidirectional charging is also on board for vehicle-to-home use, something that newer Tesla Model Y owners just got access to.

The interior comforts include a 17.9-inch central display, a windshield-wide Panoramic Vision strip, an optional 3D head-up display, and an Alexa+ powered voice assistant. The optional Highway Assistant allows hands off driving at up to 85 mph, and a drag coefficient of 0.23 helps efficiency.

Towing is rated at 4,400 lbs with the optional hitch, against 3,500 lbs for the Model Y. The standard kit includes the M Sport package, 20-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.

The range topping M60 xDrive arrives later with 603 hp, 645 lb ft, and an estimated 0 to 60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. Tesla's Model Y Performance is a tad quicker yet comes with much shorter range and slower charging.

BMW iX4 pricing

The iX4 50 xDrive starts at $66,200 plus destination and handling. That is a lot more than the Model Y, which runs from around $41,000 for the base RWD to roughly $51,000 for the Premium AWD and $59,000 for the Performance. The M60 pricing has not been announced yet, but all that power and torque won’t come cheap.

BMW is obviously not trying to win on sticker price, given that buyers get a bigger battery, faster charging, more range, and a premium cabin as standard, while the Model Y stays the value pick, especially if one takes advantage of the $99/month FSD subscription.