BMW iX4 Caught on Test Drive with a More Sporty Design

JAKARTA - For lovers of electric cars who want a more aggressive style SUV, good news comes from a German manufacturer. BMW is preparing the iX4, an electric crossover coupe style that was caught on camera undergoing testing in Europe.

This model is positioned as a more sporty sibling of the BMW iX3. From the front, the iX4 looks to follow BMW's latest design language with a vertical double grille combined with a new horizontal light signature.

His face is still familiar at first glance, but the athletic impression is immediately felt when the view is shifted to the sides and back. Significant changes can be seen from the body silhouette. The iX4 carries a more sloping windshield and a sloping roof line like a coupe.

In the photos reported by Carscoops, Friday, January 9, the door design is also made different, with a rounded body shoulder that contrasts with the square-shaped wheel arch. At the back, the coupe character is further emphasized by a special spoiler with an integrated third brake light.

Interestingly, this prototype does not seem to be equipped with a rear wiper, a detail that distinguishes it from the iX3. Although still covered with thick camouflage, the shape of the rear lights and the bumper design seem to adopt a similar style to its predecessor.

Unfortunately, the interior has not been revealed, but the iX4 cabin is believed to carry the same concept as the iX3. BMW is expected to equip this car with a panoramic iDrive screen that stretches from pillar to pillar, a 17.9-inch infotainment screen, futuristic steering wheel, 3D head-up display, to artificial intelligence-based personal assistant.

In terms of performance, the iX4 is said to be available in the 50 xDrive variant with dual-motor all-wheel drive. Its combined power reaches 463 hp with 645 Nm of torque, enough to sprint from 0-96 km/h in 4.7 seconds and record a top speed of up to 210 km/h.

The power source comes from a 108.7 kWh lithium-ion battery that is claimed to be able to provide a range of up to 805 km based on the WLTP cycle. Not only that, the DC fast charging capability of up to 400 kW allows the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just about 21 minutes.

With a combination of a sporty coupe design and impressive performance, the BMW iX4 has the potential to be an attractive option for consumers who want an electric SUV. This environmentally friendly car will also be a competitor for the Tesla Model Y.