BMW's strategic pivot towards BEVs in the coming years may spell the end for the conventional ICE-powered BMW 4 Series due to model consolidation in preparation for the much-anticipated Neue Klasse BEV lineup.

Sighting internal sources, BMW Blog reports that "there are currently no plans to develop a CLAR-based BMW 4 Series” when the 2-door Coupe/Cabriolet and 4-door Gran Coupe models come up for replacement; a decision that “dates back to when the (battery) EV market appeared highly promising, necessitating the consolidation of certain products”.

Given the introduction of the facelifted (G22/23) 4 Series in January 2024, we could potentially see the end of production sometime in 2027.

Also read: 2024 BMW 4 Series facelift debuts with revised headlights but leaves the massive grille unchanged

This shift aligns with the introduction of BMW’s new - Electric, Digital and Circular - NCAR platform, which will underpin future electric models such as the all-new i3 Series and iX3, both due out in 2025.

Elsewhere, the decision not to refresh the 4 Series comes amidst a broader revamp of BMW's model lineup, which includes updates across both the CLAR (RWD platform) which underpins models such as the 5- and 7 Series - leaving out the 4 Series - and FAAR (FWD platform) for various BMW and MINI models.

Also read: The E21's spirit is digitized - What you see here is the next gen 2025 BMW 3 Series

The new (NA0) BMW i3 and (NA2) i4 Coupe, are set to fill the market gap potentially left by the 4 Series. These models are part of BMW's Neue Klass, which also anticipates the introduction of an i4 Cabriolet later.

Of course, this also calls into question, the future of the BMW M4. Whilst a future ICE-powered BMW M3 (which traditionally shares its underpinnings with the M4) has been slated for launch in 2028, an equivalent M4 still looks uncertain for now.

However, given most manufacturers are now forced to rethink their BEV-only strategies amidst slowing sales growth; and the success of companies such as Toyota which achieved all-time highs by selling what customers want - BMW could still alter or rethink its strategy. 

In addition, given the 4 Series range delivers robust sales for BMW, even outselling the 3 Series in the US in 2023, it makes good sense.

Also read: Toyota's 2023 results were SOO good, it's worrying. Chairman Toyoda wants to slow things down

Also, BMW is better prepared than most, given its existing strategy (and success) of providing multiple powertrain options across the same model and body style. With the introduction of the BMW i5 and iX2, BMW offers fully electric (BEV) options across nearly all its main segments.

If the decision is reversed, BMW could continue to develop the CLAR platform for the 4 Series for a new generation, to feature alongside the i4 models, giving it a sufficient lifespan to become profitable and compete in a segment with reduced competition.

In Malaysia, the BMW 4 Series is offered in one variant, the 430i M Sport, priced from RM 417,800.