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BMW Confirms Second Neue Klasse EV for Debrecen This Autumn
BMW will add a second Neue Klasse model to its Hungarian plant this autumn, widely expected to be the electric-only iX4 coupe-SUV, as the factory moves to round-the-clock production to meet demand for the iX3.
By Edward Beaumont · 4 min read
BMW has confirmed that a second Neue Klasse electric model will enter production at its Debrecen plant in Hungary this autumn, without naming the vehicle. The announcement comes as the factory switches to three-shift, round-the-clock operation to keep pace with demand for the iX3, the first Neue Klasse model to be built there.
All indications point to the new model being the iX4, an electric-only coupe-SUV that will serve as an indirect replacement for the discontinued X4. The iX4, codenamed NA7, has long been linked to the Hungarian site, with earlier reports suggesting series production would begin in November. That timing would place the world premiere within weeks.
The iX4 represents a significant shift for BMW. Unlike the previous X4, which offered petrol and diesel engines, the new model will be electric-only as part of the company's Neue Klasse offensive. The old G02 X4 ended production last year without a combustion-powered successor, making the iX4 an indirect replacement rather than a conventional next-generation model.
Spy shots and speculative renderings suggest the iX4 will share much of its front-end design with the iX3, but adopt a dramatically sloped roofline behind the B-pillar to create a more pronounced coupe profile than even the outgoing X4. The trade-off is expected to be reduced rear headroom and cargo space, a common compromise when style takes priority over practicality.
Under the skin, the iX4 is expected to borrow heavily from the iX3. Beyond the usual 40 and 50 variants, BMW is likely to offer a hotter M60 and a full-blown X4 M, codenamed ZA7. The latter is rumoured to feature a quad-motor setup derived from the upcoming electric M3, codenamed ZA0, with reports suggesting more than 800 horsepower. BMW has not officially confirmed any of these details.
The Debrecen plant has already built more than 50,000 iX3 units and holds 100,000 orders for the model. The move to three-shift production underscores the scale of demand BMW is facing for its Neue Klasse vehicles. Adding the iX4 to the line will give the Hungarian factory a second high-volume model and further cement its role in the company's electric strategy.
Before the iX4 makes its official debut, BMW will unveil another major model: the next-generation 3 Series. The G50 will be revealed at the end of September, with the M350 xDrive serving as the range-topping version. That launch will take place before the iX4's expected premiere, meaning BMW has a busy product calendar ahead.
The iX4's arrival also coincides with broader changes in the performance car market. Rival McLaren is preparing to retire its Artura and GTS models over the next two years as it lays the groundwork for a new line-up, including an SUV. While McLaren's plans focus on hybrid and combustion powertrains, BMW's Neue Klasse push is entirely electric, highlighting the divergent strategies among premium manufacturers.
For now, BMW is keeping the identity of the second Debrecen model under wraps. But with the plant already running at full capacity and the iX3 proving a hit, the addition of the iX4 would mark the next phase of the company's electric expansion in Europe. The official confirmation of the name is expected in the coming weeks.
Source: bmwblog.com
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