BMW has officially dispelled doubts regarding the fate of its 4 Series. The company not only plans to continue production but is already working on the third generation. In an interview with Britain’s Autocar, Joachim Post, head of research and development, confirmed this.
“4 Series is an essential car for us. It is more sporty, and BMW is a sports brand with a clear performance legacy. It will continue to play an important role in the future,” Post stated verbatim. This phrase is the first official confirmation of a successor’s development.
Post also emphasized the economic viability of niche models: “It’s not as costly as developing an entirely new car. Whenever we make the 3 Series or X3, we also think of the 4 Series or X4. This creates synergies and allows us to build derivatives more easily.”
Underpinned by Neue Klasse
The new generation 4 Series will be built on the Neue Klasse architecture-a new electrified platform that will also underpin the new 3 Series. This innovation allows production of both electric vehicles (including the i4 successor with a battery capacity of up to 108 kWh and a range exceeding 497 miles (800 km) on the WLTP cycle), and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This dual-power capability highlights BMW’s commitment to flexibility in transitioning to electric while leveraging traditional powertrains.
Future of the M Versions
Post hinted at the future for M versions: “Such derivatives very often serve as a basis for sports cars.” According to sources, the next M4 (along with the M3) will be introduced in two versions: a powerful electric vehicle with four motors and a version with the traditional S58 inline-six engine, adapted to Euro-7 norms. BMW shows no rush to abandon gasoline engines. Unlike competitors, the Bavarians have preemptively engineered their engines to meet new environmental standards.
Competitive Edge in a Changing Market
BMW’s decision to keep the ‘four’ in production appears intriguing: Audi has “axed” the A5 Coupe, whereas Mercedes-Benz has merged the C and E-Class into the CLE-Class. This strategic move opens up a niche for the new BMW 4 Series, making it a key player in both the gasoline and electric arenas.
