BMW is working on the third-generation 4 Series lineup, which is positioned as a more dynamic and style-focused alternative to the 3 Series. It is also set to adopt BMW’s Neue Klasse design language, which the brand earlier confirmed will be rolled out across models. The 4 Series debuted globally in 2013 and entered its second generation in 2020, and over the years, it has been offered in 2-door coupe and convertible, 4-door Gran Coupe, all-electric i4, and sporty M4 guises.
- 4 Series models stand out with a rakish rear roofline
- New BMW M4 may get an updated version of the 3-litre, twin-turbo ‘S58’ engine
“The 4 Series is an important car for us. It’s more sporty, and BMW is a sporty brand which has a clear heritage also on the performance side. It will play an important role also for the future,” Dr Joachim Post, who oversees the engineering and development of all new models, told Autocar UK, giving the first indication yet of plans for a new generation.
New BMW 4 Series details
Business case
For now, it’s unclear whether BMW will retain the same spread of body styles for the next 4 Series, with neither test mules nor teasers seen so far. While the differently shaped derivatives may not be as popular or profitable as the model they are based on, significantly lower development costs make their business case relatively easy, Post went on to state.
“It is not [as] expensive [as] making a completely new car, and whenever we make a 3 Series or X3, we still think about the 4 Series or X4, to make it with synergies so that a derivative can be easily built out of the base,” he added. “They are cars which with low effort can be made, which are high synergy and which are an additional opportunity for customers who like the proportions of cars that are a little bit more sporty, more dynamic.”
ICE and EV
A spread of combustion and pure electric powertrains is most likely to be on offer, though specifications remain under wraps. BMW may equip the new ICE models with its updated, Euro 7-compliant petrol engines, while the i4 EV could offer rear and dual-motor setups, a 108kWh battery pack and an over 805km range.
M4
“These derivatives are very often the basis for our sports cars,” Post said, hinting at the next outing of the M4. For reference, the new M3 could be offered either with a quad electric motor setup, or it may carry over its ‘S58’ 3-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine, but updated to Euro 7 emission norms.
He underlined the likelihood of the latter, pointing out that BMW has a “bigger advantage compared to a few others” because its next-generation ICE powertrains have already been engineered to meet upcoming European emissions norms. However, Post didn’t confirm which engine will power the next M3 and M4.
