The subsequent step for electrified BMWs is sort of upon us! With the BMW iX3 formally debuted months in the past and the EV 3 Sequence debuting in simply over every week, Neue Klasse is absolutely ramping up. Which after all, calls into query the worth proposition of a few of BMW’s present EV choices. Consumers considering a change to electrical — or changing their present EV — right now nonetheless have two glorious automobiles to select from: the BMW iX and the BMW i4. Whereas solely new only a few brief years in the past, each have arguably grow to be staples of the model. However with Neue Klasse so shut across the nook, does it nonetheless make sense to buy one?
New Meets Outdated: Evaluating iX/i4 and Neue Klasse
There’s little question about it: the Neue Klasse automobiles may have an edge over the present electrical choices. However is it actually that vast of a spot? The iX tops out at round 364 miles of vary by U.S. measurements. In the meantime, the iX3 ought to have a variety of round 400 miles on a full cost (round 500 miles WLTP). The i4, then again, faucets out round 330 miles of vary. Whereas BMW trickled out i3 sedan technical specs, we don’t have a concrete quantity for vary fairly but. However because the automotive makes use of the identical Gen6 battery tech because the iX3, we’ve to imagine vary can be comparable. Irrespective of the way you slice it, the Neue Klasse automobiles will provide extra vary — and virtually definitely improved efficiency — than the i4 and iX.
One other space the place Neue Klasse will definitely differ from iX and i4 is inside. iDrive X and Panoramic Imaginative and prescient will revolutionize how BMW drivers work together with their automobiles. In present fashions, iDrive 9 supplies leisure and data, counting on an enormous display screen comprising a digital gauge cluster and central show. iDrive X strikes in a very completely different route, eschewing displays in favor of a smaller heart display screen and panoramic show that places all the knowledge drivers want most proper in entrance of the windscreen. The dearth of a standard gauge cluster is a daring transfer. And, frankly, it won’t be one all patrons respect — a minimum of at first.
The Actuality: iX and i4 Are Nonetheless Nice Vehicles
The brand new i3 and iX3 will boast new expertise and improved battery efficiency. However unbiased from all else, the 2026 BMW iX and i4 are nonetheless great automobiles. Certainly, you don’t need to look laborious to search out reward from us and different shops for each automobiles. The vary enhancements are considerably marginal (a minimum of from iX to iX3; the disparity will probably be a bit extra noticeable for sedan customers). And also you even have to contemplate worth. Demand has and certain will proceed to gradual for each fashions, which implies discount may be simpler to search out than you may assume. Additionally: there’s nonetheless a little bit of a await both Neue Klasse mannequin. Fall 2026 remains to be a number of months away, and there’s one thing to be stated for driving your new automotive right now versus six months from now.
Shifting on an i4 or iX makes much more sense to me if you happen to’re leasing. Depraved depreciation is nothing new for EVs or luxurious automobiles, nevertheless it may influence these fashions much more severely when Neue Klasse automobiles begin hitting the highways. Leasing makes that none of your concern, and means that you can transfer right into a Neue Klasse automotive after the lease time period ends. After all, the iX and i4 are additionally nice decisions if you happen to aren’t enthused by both the design or cabin format (or each) of the Neue Klasse automobiles. As polarizing as iDrive 9 is, iDrive X will characterize a drastic change and current a fair sharper studying curve and adjustment interval.
So despite the fact that Neue Klasse is nearer than ever, the acquainted iX and i4 are nonetheless wise decisions. We don’t but know the way severely completely different vary and efficiency can be from the i3 to the i4, nor how Neue Klasse’s launch will influence depreciation of the present fashions. However there are nonetheless some good causes to go along with the tried and true BMW EV lineup.
