BMW iX1 U11 vs BMW X4 G02

BMW iX1

U11 · 2022 – 2026

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

BMW X4

G02 · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation X4 (G02), on the CLAR platform shared with the X3 G01.

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 G02 for the B58 M40i and a more dynamic, refined package than the F26.

Best engine: The M40i (B58, 360 hp) — the standout.

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs M40i · Petrol

	BMW iX1	BMW X4
Power	313 hp	360 hp Winner
Torque	494 Nm	500 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	5,6 s	4,8 s Winner
Top speed	180 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t	188,0 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	191 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	8,2 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	BMW X4
Boot	490 L	525 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L Winner	1.430 L
Wheelbase	2,69 m	2,86 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,75 m
Ground clearance	17,0 cm	20,0 cm
Turning circle	11,9 m Winner	12,1 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.200 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	BMW X4
Platform	FAAR (electric)	CLAR (G02, xDrive)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single front motor (eDrive20) · dual front + rear motors (xDrive30)	B48/B58 petrol · B47/B57 diesel (mild-hybrid)
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d
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

Cooling-system plastics and water pumps
Oil-filter housing gasket leaks (B48/B58)
EGR/DPF/AdBlue attention on diesels

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

B58 M40i is strong, free-revving and the standout
Facelift (2021) brought mild-hybrid tech on many diesels
More dynamic and refined than the F26

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

Sloping roof reduces rear headroom versus the X3
Firm ride on M Sport adaptive suspension and larger wheels

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 and refined than the F26. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but prioritises composure and refinement over pure sharpness. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. The B58 M40i is the standout: strong, refined, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range punch. B48 four-cylinder petrols are smooth and responsive. Diesels (especially the B57 sixes) deliver strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that balances road presence, dynamics and everyday usability better than its predecessor.