BMW says the popular i4 electric sedan will end production next year as the launched i3 steps in. Find out what this means for EV fans—read more now!
Background: The Rise of the BMW i4
First launched in 2021, the BMW i4 was positioned as the fully electric counterpart to the iconic 3 Series. As one of BMW’s earliest mass‑produced EVs alongside the iX, the i4 quickly gained a reputation for blending the brand’s classic driving dynamics with zero‑emission power.
Strong Sales but a Strategic Shift
Even though the i4 posted solid global sales and earned praise for its range and performance, BMW announced that the model will be discontinued in the coming year. The decision is not driven by poor market reception but by a deliberate long‑term product strategy.
Enter the New BMW i3
At a high‑profile event in Munich, BMW unveiled a completely refreshed i3. The new i3 will be produced at the same German plant where the i4 is currently assembled, and the production line for the i4 is slated to shut down by the end of next year.
BMW’s Rationale Behind the Phase‑Out
Jochen Goller, head of product development at BMW, explained that the “phasing out” of the i4 was planned from the outset. He noted, “The automotive industry has operated on a 20‑year cycle: new models arrive, older ones are gradually replaced. It’s perfectly normal. The i4’s volume will taper off while the i3 ramps up – all accounted for in our strategy.”
What’s Next for the BMW 4 Series?
Although there will be no direct successor to the i4, BMW is already working on the next generation of the 4 Series. The upcoming 4 Series will emphasize sportier design and a more dynamic driving feel compared to the 3 Series, and it will be part of BMW’s “Neue Klasse” future line‑up.
Long‑Term Strategy: A Unified Powertrain Lineup
BMW’s overarching vision is to harmonise its vehicle design across all powertrains—combustion, hybrid, and fully electric. The new 4 Series will share engine options with the 3 Series, including an internal‑combustion variant slated for release this year alongside the i3. This also signals that a fully electric 4 Series could reappear in later model years.
Conclusion
The retirement of the i4 underscores BMW’s commitment to continually evolve its EV portfolio while keeping the brand’s performance DNA intact. As the new i3 steps into production and the next‑gen 4 Series takes shape, enthusiasts can expect a broader, more flexible range of electric and hybrid options from the German automaker.