According to a recent article by BMW Blog, BMW has reportedly decided against renewing its 4 Series lineup for the next generation. The decision, allegedly based on insights from sources within BMW, indicates that there are no current plans to develop a CLAR-based BMW 4 Series.
The rationale behind this decision stems from the evolving landscape of the electric vehicle (EV) market, which has prompted BMW to streamline its product offerings. With the emergence of electrified platforms like the i3 Sedan and i4 Coupe, BMW has shifted its focus towards segments with higher sales potential.
However, the rapidly changing dynamics of the EV market have led many manufacturers, including BMW, to reassess their all-electric strategies. Instead, there is a renewed emphasis on catering to market segments with significant sales volumes.
It is speculated that the BMW Vision Neue Klasse range, featuring models like the i3 Sedan, i4 Coupe, and i4 Cabriolet, will comprehensively cover the market segment previously occupied by the 4 Series. This shift may also involve the replacement of model variants like the Gran Coupe with more traditional SUV counterparts.
Unveiled at the Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA) in Munich, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse offers a glimpse into the design direction of future BMW models, particularly the eighth-generation 3 Series expected in 2025. This range is anticipated to include electric variants badged as the i3, coexisting with petrol and diesel-powered 3 Series models.
The Vision Neue Klasse showcases BMW’s design philosophy with clean lines and minimalistic character features. It retains signature elements like the kidney grilles and Hofmeister kink while incorporating sustainable materials and a resource-efficient production system to reduce its carbon footprint.
Although specific details are yet to be announced, the next generation electric 3 Series is expected to feature BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive fully electric powertrain. This iteration promises significant improvements in range, charging speed, and efficiency compared to its predecessors, marking a significant investment in BMW’s future endeavors.
