BMW has another electric crossover coming, and this one trades the upright roofline for something a little swoopier. Called the iX4, it becomes the third member of the Neue Klasse family alongside the iX3 and i3. Standard M Sport styling provides some visual attitude. The more interesting numbers, though, concern how far it can travel and how quickly it can charge.

According to BMW’s announcement, the iX4 50 xDrive launches in March 2027 with a starting price of $66,200. That doesn’t include destination and handling. BMW hasn’t specified that mandatory charge in the release. Production takes place at its Debrecen plant in Hungary. Not every trim coming will be available at first.

More: BMW’s Facelifted 5-Series Wagon Is Getting A Neue Klasse Transplant

The launch model pairs two electric motors with all-wheel drive, producing 463 hp (345 kW) and 475 lb-ft (644 Nm) of torque. BMW quotes a 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). Its 112.2-kWh usable battery supports an estimated maximum range of 428 miles (689 km). That figure comes from BMW’s testing using EPA procedures, so it remains a preliminary estimate rather than a final EPA rating. Importantly, those figures are, at best, somewhat middling in today’s EV market.

The car’s charging infrastructure is more up to date. The 800-volt architecture enables DC charging at up to 400 kW. Under suitable conditions, BMW says the iX4 can add up to 184 miles (296 km) of range in ten minutes, while charging from 10 to 80 percent takes 21 minutes. Bidirectional charging also allows the battery to supply power beyond the vehicle itself.

Coming later in 2027, the iX4 M60 xDrive raises output to 603 hp (450 kW) and 645 lb-ft (875 Nm). Its estimated 0–60 mph time drops to 3.7 seconds, while top speed rises to 149 mph (240 km/h). That’s certainly better, but it’s still slower than a three-year-old Kia.

The upgrades extend beyond the motors. Adaptive M suspension, an electronically controlled rear M Sport differential, and revised chassis tuning accompany standard 21-inch wheels. Buyers can also specify yellow lighting inspired by BMW’s racing cars. Apparently, even the headlights need to look faster when the car itself isn’t all that quick.

That said, the tech here does appear to be truly cutting-edge. Every iX4 gets a full-length panoramic glass roof and M Sport equipment. The body achieves a claimed drag coefficient of 0.23, giving that sloping roofline something useful to do. Inside, BMW’s Panoramic iDrive combines a display projected across the base of the windshield with a 17.9-inch central touchscreen. A 3D head-up display is optional, while the voice assistant gains Amazon Alexa+ technology.

Available Highway Assistant supports attentive hands-free driving at up to 85 mph (137 km/h). BMW’s new “Heart of Joy” controller also manages powertrain and chassis functions, with the company claiming processing speeds ten times faster than its previous systems. Whether those electronics deliver a more satisfying drive is something we’ll have to establish from behind the wheel. For what it’s worth, we’re very much looking forward to it.

Photos: BMW