BMW iX3 or iX4? What the coupe roofline costs, and what it buys you

BMW now has two Neue Klasse SUVs on its Australian books. The iX3 is already in showrooms, and the lower, sloping-roofed iX4 is due next. On paper they are close to the same car: the same 4,782 mm length, the same 1,895 mm width, the same 2,897 mm wheelbase, the same two battery sizes and the same 21-minute 10–80% fast-charge time.

So what changes when you pay the iX4’s premium? We went through BMW Australia’s technical data for all four launch versions, line by line. The answer is a little more range and a sleeker roof on the 50 xDrive, all-wheel drive on the cheaper 40, and less space in the back across the board.

The four launch versions at a glance

Specifications from BMW Australia’s iX3 and iX4 technical data pages, which carry BMW’s “overseas model shown, local specification may vary” caveat. The iX3 40’s 635 km WLTP figure is from BMW Group’s iX3 40 announcement (395 miles), because BMW Australia’s page lists only its energy use. Prices are reported BMW Australia list prices before on-road costs, as published by CarExpert (including the November 2026 iX3 50 xDrive rise). Official pricing/configurator pages were not independently accessible for verification; confirm a current itemised quote with BMW.

The 50 xDrive: $7,400 for 23 km and a lower roof

At the top of each range the hardware is identical: 345 kW and 645 Nm from two motors, a 108.7 kWh battery, 400 kW peak charging and 4.9 seconds to 100 km/h. The iX4 50 xDrive is 20 kg heavier but 40 mm lower, and BMW quotes it at up to 828 km WLTP against the iX3’s 805 km.

That 23 km (about 3%) is the aerodynamic dividend of the coupe roof, and it carries through to fast charging: BMW’s best-case figure for range added in ten minutes rises from 372 km to 387 km. In practice both cars will spend the same time plugged in; the iX4 simply covers a little more ground per stop.

The price gap is narrower than it was. BMW lifted the iX3 50 xDrive’s list price by $2,600 this month, to $112,500, without changing its equipment, so the iX4 50 xDrive now costs $7,400 more rather than $10,000.

The 40: this is where the two cars really differ

The entry versions are not the same car with a different roof. The iX3 40 uses a single rear motor (235 kW, 500 Nm). The iX4 40 xDrive adds a front motor for all-wheel drive and 275 kW, 520 Nm, which cuts the 0–100 km/h time from 5.9 to 5.6 seconds.

Both use the 82.6 kWh battery with 300 kW peak charging and the same 21-minute 10–80% time. Despite the second motor and an extra 100 kg, the iX4 40 xDrive’s WLTP ceiling (638 km) is level with the rear-drive iX3 40 (635 km). The iX4’s lower, slipperier body appears to make up for the extra mass and drive hardware.

The catch is money. At $103,900 the iX4 40 xDrive is $14,000 dearer than the iX3 40, and it moves the car well above $90,000. If you are buying through a novated lease, check whether a car qualifies for the FBT exemption before you choose a grade; our novated lease guide explains how the luxury car tax threshold applies.

What the roofline takes away

Practicality is the clear trade. With the rear seats up, the iX4’s boot holds 490 litres against the iX3 40’s 520 litres. Fold the seats and the gap grows to 150 litres (1,600 L vs 1,750 L). Both keep the same 58-litre front storage compartment under the bonnet, which is big enough for the charging cable.

The iX3 also has a little more height to work with: 1,635 mm against the iX4’s 1,595 mm. BMW says the iX4’s standard panoramic glass roof runs well towards the rear to keep the cabin light, but tall rear passengers should still try one before ordering.

BMW Australia’s iX3 technical data quotes a braked towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg for the iX3 40 when it is delivered with tow-bar support. It does not list an equivalent figure for either iX4 on its local technical data page, so confirm towing with a dealer if you need it.

Charging and range on the road

All four versions share BMW’s 800-volt Gen6 hardware and the same 10–80% minimum of 21 minutes. The 50 xDrive models need a 400 kW charger to hit that figure, while the 40 versions top out at 300 kW. AC charging at up to 22 kW is available on every version.

For a real-world reference, Bjørn Nyland’s range test table records 724 km at 90 km/h and 511 km at 120 km/h for a European-market iX3 50 xDrive at 17°C. The sources reviewed do not include an independent iX4 range test. Expect the iX4 50 xDrive to land slightly ahead at highway speeds because of its lower drag, but treat that as an inference until it is tested. Our highway range guide explains how these tests compare with WLTP.

BMW Australia also notes that vehicle-to-load and home backup will need the optional AC Charging Professional package and BMW adapters, expected from the fourth quarter of 2027. The BMW Wallbox Professional for bidirectional home charging is also due in Australia in that quarter. Neither is something to plan a 2027 purchase around yet.

Which one makes sense?

The iX3 40 is the value pick. It is the only one of the four under $90,000, it has the biggest boot, and it gives you 635 km of WLTP range. It also has the same 21-minute fast-charge time as the dearer cars.

The iX3 50 xDrive is the long-distance family SUV: 805 km WLTP, 400 kW charging. You can compare it with rivals in our iX3 50 xDrive buyer’s guide.

The iX4 40 xDrive suits buyers who want all-wheel drive and the coupe look but don’t need the big battery. Remember that you are paying $14,000 over the iX3 40 for that.

The iX4 50 xDrive is the range champion of the Neue Klasse SUVs, with up to 828 km WLTP. The $7,400 premium over the iX3 50 mostly buys style; the extra range is a small bonus on top.

If you want more performance, BMW Australia says the iX3 M60 xDrive and iX4 M60 xDrive will be available to order in 2027. Local pricing for both has not yet been confirmed.

You can compare all four, and the rest of the market, in our EV database.

Global specs and prices: compare every BMW iX3 and BMW iX4 variant across markets on EVChoice, our sister global EV database.