BMW Confirms Next-Gen 4 Series Will Keep Gas Engine, M4 Won’t Go Electric

Amid a growing trend among premium brands to discontinue two-door coupes, BMW has clearly stated that the 4 Series will not be axed and is already developing its third generation. The new 4 Series will be built on the "Neue Klasse" platform, running parallel to the next-generation, EV-focused 3 Series, with a more sporty positioning and bolder design. Joachim Post, BMW’s head of development, confirmed to Autocar that internal combustion engines will remain available, and the next-generation M4 will most likely continue using an upgraded version of the S58 inline-six engine—though a high-performance all-electric variant hasn't been ruled out. While Audi has discontinued the A5 Coupe and Mercedes-Benz has consolidated its C- and E-Class coupes into the new CLE, BMW maintains the commercial viability of the 4 Series and coupe SUVs like the X4 by sharing development costs with models such as the 3 Series and X3. Additionally, the new platform will also underpin a larger-battery electric i4. However, for enthusiasts, the biggest news remains BMW’s commitment to keeping the M4 powered by a combustion engine.