Swoopy SUVs started out as a fad, but evolved into something far more substantial. BMW was one of the first adopters, with the original X6 being launched almost 20 years ago. The E71 from 2007 was followed by the second generation model (F16) in 2014. In the same year, the so-called Sport Activity Coupé portfolio was expanded to include the X4 (F26). Three years later, the SAC formula grew again with the addition of the X2 (F39).
BMW recently said goodbye to the X4 by not giving the second generation (G02) a successor, but an indirect replacement is on the way. The new coupé SUV is internally codenamed NA7 and is christened iX4. This time, the middle child of the SAC range will not offer combustion engines. Instead, Munich is making the X4 a purely electric product.
It’s been a few months since the very first iX4 was revealed to the public. The final body panels were already in place, which made our work easier on this speculative rendering. Our exclusive design exercise removes the camouflage and unofficially reveals the production-ready look. It’s safe to say that this model has a more coupe-like silhouette than any other SAC before it.
The dramatic sloping roofline immediately sets the iX4 apart from the more conventionally shaped iX3. It also gives us hope that when BMW finally decides to release a proper coupe, it will be a real looker. We can already imagine that the i4 (NA2) sits lower to the ground and only has two doors.
In the meantime, the iX4 will be the closest thing to a New Class coupe. We included the tailgate spoiler in our rendering and may have integrated the production model’s third brake light. From the B-pillars onwards it should be almost identical to the regular iX3. It remains to be seen how much the redesigned rear end will eat up in terms of headroom and cargo capacity. In any case, some buyers are happy to trade extra space for a slimmer profile.
For a larger electric SAC in the New Class era, you’ll have to wait for the fourth-generation X6. According to rumors, the G66 will launch in 2028 with combustion engines and an all-electric iX6. Then all of BMW’s coupe-like crossovers will have electric drive. It’s probably only a matter of time before the compact iX2 gets the NK treatment too, considering spy photographers have already caught the new iX1.
But BMW’s future doesn’t just lie in SUVs. Although this body style is the brand’s main earner, conventional cars are not pushed into the background. The new 3 Series (G50) and the new i3 (NA0) are coming onto the market this year and show how the New Class can be transferred to sedans. For station wagon fans, an i3 Touring is likely to follow soon, while the rumored i1 would bring the NK design language to a hatchback. Since the current 4 Series will be around until 2029, it’s unlikely that a new coupe with the fresh design will hit the market before the next decade.
Meanwhile, the debut of the iX4 is closer than you might think. Although BMW hasn’t officially confirmed an electric X4, we expect the reveal to take place in late summer or early fall. Production is reportedly set to begin in November at the Debrecen plant, where BMW is also said to be introducing a third shift to meet strong demand for the iX3.
