Sprinter Posted April 3, 2024 Posted April 3, 2024 A new report suggests that the upcoming Vision Neue Klasse may usurp the 4 Series in BMW's future vehicle line up. As the newest nameplate in BMW’s stable for now, the 4 Series doesn’t have the storied history of its older 3 Series sibling, but buyers are still responding to it positively. Despite the polarizing front grille, the 2025 BMW 430i coupe has a torquey six-cylinder engine and excellent driving dynamics. It also tends to look great as a race car, so we're curious where BMW's design intentions really were all along. Naturally, as with many good things people seem to enjoy, BMW is probably going to kill off the 4 Series in the next few years. Wait, what? Well according to a report from BMW Blog (via Car Expert), the German automaker currently has no plans for a next-generation 4 Series. All signs seem to indicate that the 4 Series has sold well, so why would BMW not want it to continue?It could have something to do with BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse concepts. The Vision Neue Klasse is expected to reach production as the next i3 sedan and, later, likely an i4 coupe. According to a source that spoke to BMW Blog, the automaker will let the electric i4 fill in the slot in the vehicle lineup that was previously taken by 4 Series models like the 430i. That would also essentially mean that there would be no ICE coupe from BMW in the coming generation, after we get an updated but not all-new 2 Series and 4 Series on their current platforms in certain markets for a few more years to come.Considering automakers would likely be very open to more research and development time to make the transition to EVs and build out infrastructure and demand, it gives us pause to think that BMW is already in a position to completely ditch a well-selling ICE coupe (though it's not clear precisely when sales would end just yet). It’s rare that an OEM would walk away from something that is a financial success for it (barring any local market pressures from governments or regulators), so don't worry about the next couple of years of sales in the U.S. for now. As for what's really next, we’re expecting to hear much more about the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, to become electric 3 and 4 Series replacements, in the near future. When that time comes, we should have a much better picture on the future of BMW’s line up, including any potential electric i4 coupe models. Should we even cross our fingers for an eventual convertible? Consider us patient and optimistic. https://www.motortrend.com/auto-news/ 1
Recommended Posts