BMW is preparing to expand production at its new Hungarian factory, with a second Neue Klasse model expected to join the iX3 on the assembly line this fall. While BMW has not officially identified the vehicle, all signs point to the first-ever BMW iX4, codenamed NA7.
BMW iX4 Expected to Enter Production in Debrecen
The Debrecen plant has recently switched to around-the-clock production to meet demand for the iX3. BMW has confirmed that a second model will enter production at the Hungarian facility this fall, but the automaker has not yet revealed its identity.
Earlier reports indicated that series production of the iX4 could begin in November, putting its potential world premiere close to that timeframe. The model is expected to become the second Neue Klasse vehicle produced at Debrecen.
BMW iX4 Will Be Electric Only
Unlike the X4 that has bowed out of production, the BMW iX4 will not be offered with gasoline or diesel power. BMW is turning the coupe-SUV into an electric-only model as part of its Neue Klasse lineup.
The previous G02 X4 ended production last year without receiving a combustion-powered successor. As a result, the iX4 would serve as an indirect replacement rather than a conventional next-generation X4.
iX4 Design Expected to Take a More Dramatic Shape
Speculative renderings suggest the iX4 will share significant design elements with the iX3 at the front, while adopting a more distinctive profile behind the B-pillar.
Spy shots have shown a dramatically sloped roofline, giving the iX4 a more pronounced coupe shape than the previous X4. That design could come with reduced rear headroom and cargo space, reflecting the trade-off between styling and practicality.
More Powerful iX4 Versions Could Follow
The iX4 is expected to share much of its underlying technology with the iX3. Beyond the expected 40 and 50 models, a hotter M60 and a full-blown X4 M, codenamed ZA7, are also expected.
The X4 M is reportedly set to use a quad-motor setup lifted from the upcoming electric M3, codenamed ZA0. Reports indicate that it could produce more than 800 horsepower, although BMW has not officially confirmed those details.
Debrecen Plant Moves to Three-Shift Production
BMW’s preparations for a second Neue Klasse model come as the Debrecen factory ramps up to three-shift, 24/7 production. The iX3 has already surpassed 50,000 units built at the plant, while 100,000 orders have been secured.
For now, the iX4 remains officially unconfirmed by name, but BMW’s plans for a second Neue Klasse model at Debrecen indicate that the factory’s role in the automaker’s electric lineup is expanding.
Next-Generation BMW 3 Series Also Set for Debut
Before the iX4 becomes official, BMW is scheduled to reveal another major model. Munich will unveil the next-generation 3 Series, the G50, at the end of September, with the M350 xDrive serving as the range-topping version.
