Should You Still Buy a BMW iX or i4 With Neue Klasse Coming?

The following step for electrified BMWs is sort of upon us! With the BMW iX3 formally debuted months in the past and the EV 3 Series debuting in simply over every week, Neue Klasse is admittedly ramping up. Which after all, calls into query the worth proposition of a few of BMW’s present EV choices. Consumers considering a swap to electrical — or changing their present EV — in the present day nonetheless have two glorious automobiles to select from: the BMW iX and the BMW i4. Whereas solely new only a few quick years in the past, each have arguably turn out 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New Meets Outdated: Evaluating iX/i4 and Neue Klasse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 could have an edge over the prevailing electrical choices. However is it actually that broad of a niche? 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 specifications, 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 might be comparable. Regardless of the way you slice it, the Neue Klasse automobiles will provide extra vary — and nearly 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 Vision will revolutionize how BMW drivers work together with their automobiles. In present fashions, iDrive 9 gives leisure and data, counting on an enormous display screen comprising a digital gauge cluster and central show. iDrive X strikes in a very totally different route, eschewing displays in favor of a smaller middle display screen and panoramic show that places all the knowledge drivers want most proper in entrance of the windscreen. The shortage of a standard gauge cluster is a daring transfer. And, frankly, it may not be one all consumers recognize — at the very least at first.

The Actuality: iX and i4 Are Nonetheless Nice Automobiles

The brand new i3 and iX3 will boast new expertise and improved battery efficiency. However impartial from all else, the 2026 BMW iX and i4 are nonetheless fantastic automobiles. Certainly, you don’t should look onerous to search out reward from us and different shops for each automobiles. The vary enhancements are considerably marginal (at the very least from iX to iX3; the disparity will seemingly be a bit extra noticeable for sedan buyers). And also you even have to think about value. Demand has and certain will proceed to gradual for each fashions, which suggests a great cut price could be simpler to search out than you may suppose. Additionally: there’s nonetheless a little bit of a look ahead to both Neue Klasse mannequin. Fall 2026 remains to be just a few months away, and there’s one thing to be mentioned for driving your new automotive in the present day versus six months from now.

Transferring on an i4 or iX makes much more sense to me in case you’re leasing. Depraved depreciation is nothing new for EVs or luxurious automobiles, however it may affect 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 in case you aren’t enthused by both the design or cabin structure (or each) of the Neue Klasse automobiles. As polarizing as iDrive 9 is, iDrive X will symbolize a drastic change and current a fair sharper studying curve and adjustment interval.

So although Neue Klasse is nearer than ever, the acquainted iX and i4 are nonetheless smart decisions. We don’t but know the way severely totally different vary and efficiency might be from the i3 to the i4, nor how Neue Klasse’s launch will affect depreciation of the present fashions. However there are nonetheless some good causes to go along with the tried and true BMW EV lineup.