A Key Model in BMW’s EV Push
Since its introduction, the i4 has been doing a lot of heavy lifting for the BMW EV portfolio. Alongside the iX1, the i4 has been contributing greatly to the company’s electric sales, not just in the U.S but around the world. In Germany, nearly half of the 4 Series models sold there are battery-powered, and it’s the best-selling BMW EV in the U.S.
In many ways, the i4 is a crucial model for BMW, and it’s one that deserves a successor down the line. In M50 and M60 forms, it even became the world’s best-selling M product until the arrival of the X3 M50. With that, the G26 is soon headed for retirement after four production years as the new wave of Neue Klasse models comes in.
Winding Down Production
According to BMW Blog, production of the G26 i4 will be winding down by either late 2026 or early 2027. It’s mainly to make way for the new and upcoming EV models that BMW will produce, and as the current model doesn’t have any of the Neue Klasse attributes, it won’t be long for this world.
In the meantime, it’s the i3 that will inherit the i4’s role as BMW’s electric sport sedan. The range-topping M50 had already been revealed, but we’re also expecting a ‘40’ model down the line to make the range more accessible. It’ll likely follow the same playbook that BMW had applied to the i4, one that proved hugely successful for the brand.
Fear Not, There Will Be a New 4 Series
Inevitably, some will prefer the sleeker profile of the 4 Series to the more formal 3 Series. Rest assured, an all-new generation will be released soon, as BMW has said the model will always have a place in its lineup. That said, we haven’t seen any spy shots of the car just yet, so it’s possible that it’ll still be a few years away.
Given the success of the 4 Series and i4, it sounds obvious and inevitable. But do note that BMW recently said that some of its halo models are taking a back seat to prioritize its core models. There was also mention of rationalization, meaning some models won’t see successors. Still, we can say with a degree of certainty that both fuel-fed and electric versions of the 4 Series are safe from getting permanently axed.
Fabian Kirchbauer Photography
A Landmark Model
4 to 5 years is a short run in terms of BMW model life cycles. The company typically takes 7 years to roll out an all-new generation. Still, the i4’s run has made a significant impact on the brand, and it’s worth looking back at its capabilities.
Having tested it in the past, this writer can say that the i4 was (and still is) a hugely competent and capable sporty EV. While it doesn’t have astronomical range, it still feels like a BMW behind the wheel and pleasingly normal, too. Dare we say it’s a car that deserves to be mentioned as one of the brand’s greatest hits as it proved that BMW can incorporate its DNA in EV models.
BMW
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