Swoopy SUVs began out as a fad however grew into one thing much more substantial. BMW was among the many early adopters, with the unique X6 launched almost 20 years in the past. The E71 from 2007 was adopted by the second-generation mannequin (F16) in 2014. That very same yr, the so-called Sport Exercise Coupe portfolio expanded to incorporate the X4 (F26). Three years later, the SAC system grew once more with the addition of the X2 (F39).
BMW not too long ago mentioned goodbye to the X4 by not giving the second era (G02) a successor, however an oblique substitute is on the way in which. Internally codenamed NA7, the brand new coupe-ified SUV can be christened the iX4. This time round, the center youngster of the SAC lineup won’t provide combustion engines. As a substitute, Munich is popping the X4 into an electric-only product.
It’s been a few months because the first-ever iX4 was noticed out in public. It already wore its last physique panels, making our job simpler for this speculative rendering. Our unique design train peels away the camouflage to unofficially preview the production-ready look. It’s protected to say this mannequin has a extra coupe-like silhouette than any SAC earlier than it.
The dramatically sloped roofline permits the iX4 to face out instantly from the extra conventionally formed iX3. It additionally provides us hope that when BMW finally decides to launch a correct coupe, it will likely be a looker. We are able to already think about the i4 (NA2) driving decrease to the bottom and that includes simply two doorways.
Within the meantime, the iX4 would be the closest factor to a Neue Klasse coupe. We’ve included the tailgate spoiler in our rendering, and it could incorporate the third brake gentle on the manufacturing mannequin. From the B-pillars ahead, it’s prone to be almost equivalent to the common iX3. How a lot the redesigned rear part will eat into headroom and cargo capability stays to be seen. Regardless of the case, some patrons will gladly commerce additional area for a sleeker profile.
For a bigger electrical SAC within the Neue Klasse period, you’ll have to attend for the fourth-generation X6. The G66 is rumored to reach in 2028 with combustion engines and a completely electrical iX6, at which level all of BMW’s coupe-like crossovers will provide electrical energy. It’s in all probability solely a matter of time earlier than the compact iX2 receives the NK therapy as effectively, contemplating spy photographers have already caught the new iX1.
However BMW’s future isn’t nearly SUVs. Though this physique model is the model’s breadwinner, typical automobiles gained’t be placed on the again burner. The brand new 3 Sequence (G50) and i3 (NA0) are arriving this yr to reveal how Neue Klasse interprets to sedans. An i3 Touring ought to comply with quickly after for wagon followers, whereas the rumored i1 would carry the NK design language to a hatchback. With the present 4 Sequence sticking round till 2029, a brand new coupe sporting the contemporary styling is unlikely to reach earlier than the subsequent decade.
In the meantime, the iX4’s debut is nearer than you may suppose. Though BMW hasn’t formally acknowledged an electrical X4, we imagine the revealing will happen in late summer time or early fall. Manufacturing is reportedly set to start in November on the Debrecen plant, the place BMW can be mentioned to be including a third shift to fulfill sturdy demand for the iX3.
