BMW iX1 U11 vs BMW X4 F26

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

The first-generation iX1 (U11), BMW’s fully electric compact SUV on the FAAR platform.

BMW X4

F26 · 2014 – 2018

The first-generation X4 (F26), on the F25 X3 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the U11 for BMW’s smallest electric SUV with a usable 490-litre boot and the punchy dual-motor xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X4

Pick the F26 only with documented N20 chain work or a later build — otherwise the timing-chain risk is real.

Best engine: The xDrive28i (N20, 245 hp) or xDrive30d (N57).

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs xDrive28i · Petrol

	BMW iX1	BMW X4
Power	313 hp Winner	245 hp
Torque	494 Nm Winner	350 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,6 s Winner	6,4 s
Top speed	180 km/h	232 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t Winner	136,5 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	179 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	7,2 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	BMW X4
Boot	490 L	500 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L Winner	1.400 L
Wheelbase	2,69 m	2,81 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,67 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	20,0 cm
Turning circle	11,9 m	11,9 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	BMW X4
Platform	FAAR (electric)	F25 (F26, xDrive)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)	N20/N55 petrol · N47/B47 · N57 diesel
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX1

OS8/OS9 software: connectivity and CarPlay glitches (mostly fixed via update)
IBS recall (2022–2024): brake assist/ABS — verify via VIN
12V battery can drain when parked or with frequent app use

BMW X4

N20 timing chain and tensioner (biggest risk)
Electric water pump and coolant loss
Oil-filter housing and valve-cover leaks

Pros

BMW iX1

Fifth-generation eDrive motors are notably efficient
Large usable battery (~65 kWh) with 430–514 km WLTP range
xDrive30 delivers 313 hp with all-wheel drive

BMW X4

First X4: more aggressive style than the X3 F25
N55 (35i) is the reliable petrol choice
B47 diesel (20d/25d) much improved over N47

Cons

BMW iX1

DC fast charging peaks around 130 kW — slower than some rivals
Regenerative braking takes getting used to in Efficient mode

BMW X4

N20 cold-start chain rattle is a warning sign
Sloping roof limits rear headroom

Driving experience

BMW iX1

Quiet, refined and responsive in typical EV fashion. Instant torque makes it feel brisk in traffic. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted for a crossover; body control is good and the car feels planted. The xDrive30 (dual motor) is notably quicker and more secure in poor conditions; the eDrive20 (front-drive) is lighter and more efficient. Regenerative braking is strong in Efficient mode and takes some getting used to. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps, but the car can feel firm on poor Belgian roads, especially with larger wheels. Overall a capable, composed electric crossover rather than a pure driver’s car.

BMW X4

More dynamic than a standard X3 of the same generation. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but not a pure sports car — weight and the higher centre of gravity are noticeable when pushed. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) helps balance firmness and comfort. The N55 petrol sixes (35i/M40i) deliver strong, linear performance and a characterful engine note. The N20 four-cylinder petrols are competent but less refined. Diesels (especially the N57 sixes) offer strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that prioritises road presence and dynamics over maximum practicality.