BMW's current electric SUV lineup and what each one offers

BMW makes three electric SUVs you can buy today: the iX, the i4 (which is technically a sedan but sized like a compact SUV), and the iX M60 (a high-performance version of the iX). The iX is BMW's flagship electric SUV—a three-row vehicle that seats up to five adults comfortably. The i4 is smaller and sportier, built on the same platform as the 4 Series but with an electric motor. Both come in different power levels, which affects acceleration, top speed, and driving range.

The iX comes in two main versions: the iX xDrive40 (single motor, rear-wheel drive) and the iX xDrive50 (dual motor, all-wheel drive). The i4 offers the eDrive40 (single motor) and the M440i xDrive (dual motor). BMW also sells the iX M60, which is the all-wheel-drive performance version with 516 horsepower. Each version has different real-world range, charging speed, and price. The iX is the roomier choice if you need passenger space; the i4 is better if you want a sportier drive and easier parking.

Key Takeaways

  • BMW's iX is a three-row electric SUV with 380 to 516 horsepower depending on the model, with real-world range between 260 and 380 miles per charge.
  • The i4 is a smaller, sport-focused electric sedan that seats five and offers 335 to 516 horsepower, with range between 260 and 301 miles.
  • Both vehicles use BMW's 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and support fast DC charging, though charging time varies by battery size and charger output.
  • BMW electric SUVs may have access to for the federal tax credit in the United States if you meet income and vehicle price caps, which change yearly.
  • Maintenance costs are lower than gas vehicles because there is no oil, transmission fluid, or spark plugs, but battery repairs are expensive if damage occurs outside the warranty period.

Real-world driving range and battery sizes

The iX xDrive40 has an EPA-estimated range of 324 miles, though real-world range typically falls between 260 and 300 miles depending on driving conditions, weather, and how aggressively you accelerate. The iX xDrive50 is rated for 380 miles, with real-world performance usually between 300 and 360 miles. Cold weather reduces range by 20 to 30 percent for both models. The iX M60 is rated for 324 miles but uses more energy because of its dual high-output motors.

The i4 eDrive40 is rated for 301 miles EPA, with real-world range around 240 to 280 miles. The i4 M440i xDrive drops to 260 miles EPA because the dual motors consume more power. Battery size is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh)—the iX uses either a 111.5 kWh or 149.6 kWh battery, while the i4 uses a 81.5 kWh or 111.5 kWh battery. Larger batteries take longer to charge but give you more miles between stops.

Charging at home and on the road

BMW includes a Level 1 charger (standard 120-volt outlet) with every vehicle, but it adds only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour—too slow for daily use. Most owners install a Level 2 charger at home, which runs on 240 volts and adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. Installation costs between $500 and $2,500 depending on your home's electrical panel and how far the charger is from your service entrance.

On the road, BMW vehicles work with DC fast chargers (also called Level 3 chargers) at networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. A DC fast charger can add 200 miles in 30 to 40 minutes on the iX xDrive50, though charging slows as the battery fills. The iX and i4 both support 11 kW AC charging and up to 200 kW DC charging, depending on the charger's output. BMW's iDrive infotainment system shows available chargers on the map and can reserve a spot at some stations.

Interior features and technology

Both the iX and i4 come standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen running BMW's iDrive 8 operating system. The screen controls climate, navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. You can also use voice commands to adjust temperature, find chargers, or play music. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models. The iX has a larger interior with more storage cubbies and a panoramic sunroof on most trims.

The iX offers heated and ventilated front seats on higher trims, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a head-up display that projects speed and navigation onto the windshield. The i4 has a sportier interior with a smaller steering wheel and more aggressive styling. Both vehicles include a wireless charging pad for your phone and a 12-volt power outlet. The iX has more rear legroom and a third row that fits children or occasional adult passengers; the i4 has a trunk instead of a cargo area behind the rear seats.

Safety features and driver information

BMW equips the iX and i4 with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control, which maintains your speed and distance from the car ahead, and parking information, which can steer the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces. The iX offers a 360-degree camera system that shows a bird's-eye view of the vehicle on the touchscreen.

Both vehicles have eight airbags and a reinforced frame designed to absorb impact energy. The iX has a lower center of gravity than traditional SUVs because the battery sits in the floor, which improves handling and reduces rollover risk. Neither vehicle has received a full crash test from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) yet, but both earned top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the categories tested.

Maintenance, warranty, and long-term costs

Electric vehicles have no oil changes, transmission fluid, spark plugs, or timing belts, which cuts maintenance costs significantly compared to gas SUVs. You still need tire rotations, brake fluid checks, and cabin air filter replacements. Brake pads last longer on electric vehicles because regenerative braking—which captures energy when you slow down—does most of the stopping work.

BMW covers the battery for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the battery degrades below 70 percent of its original capacity during that period, BMW replaces it at no cost. The rest of the vehicle is covered by a four-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty. Extended warranties are available but vary in length and coverage. Out-of-warranty battery repairs can cost $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the damage, so understanding your warranty period is important if you plan to keep the vehicle beyond the standard coverage.

Federal tax credit and pricing

The iX and i4 may may have access to for the federal tax credit, which is up to $7,500 in the United States. To may have access to, your household income must be below $300,000 (married filing jointly) or $150,000 (single), and the vehicle's final assembly price must be under certain caps that change yearly. The iX xDrive40 and xDrive50 both may have access to, as does the i4 eDrive40. The iX M60 and i4 M440i xDrive may not may have access to because their prices exceed the cap in some years.

The iX xDrive40 starts around $83,000 before incentives. The iX xDrive50 starts around $87,000. The i4 eDrive40 starts around $59,000. Prices vary by region, dealer, and current promotions. If you buy through a dealer, the credit is applied at the point of sale, reducing what you pay. If you lease, the credit goes to BMW, which typically passes some of the savings to you through lower monthly payments. Check the current year's IRS guidance before purchasing, as income limits and price caps change annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to charge a BMW electric SUV from empty to full?

At home with a Level 2 charger, a full charge takes 8 to 12 hours depending on battery size. At a DC fast charger, you can add 200 miles in 30 to 40 minutes, though the last 20 percent charges more slowly. Most owners charge overnight at home and rarely need a full charge from empty.

Can I tow a trailer with a BMW iX or i4?

The iX can tow up to 4,400 pounds with a factory-installed hitch. Towing reduces range by 20 to 30 percent because of the extra weight and wind resistance. The i4 is not rated for towing. If you need to tow regularly, the iX is the better choice.

What happens to the battery after 10 years?

BMW batteries typically retain 80 to 90 percent of their original capacity after 10 years of normal use. Most owners report no noticeable loss of range in the first five years. After the warranty expires, battery degradation is gradual, and replacement is expensive but not when ready.

Do I need a special driver's license to drive an electric BMW?

No. Electric vehicles are driven like automatic transmission cars—you press the accelerator and brake pedal the same way. The main difference is regenerative braking, which slows the car when you lift off the accelerator, reducing the need to use the brake pedal.

Can I use a Tesla Supercharger with a BMW?

As of 2024, BMW vehicles can use Tesla Superchargers in North America with an adapter. Tesla is opening its network to other manufacturers, but availability and pricing vary by location. Check your vehicle's navigation system or the Tesla app to see which Superchargers are available in your area.