BMW Confirms Next Generation 4 Series With Gasoline Power
In a landscape where many automotive manufacturers are slimming down their portfolios and discontinuing two-door coupes, BMW has taken a different stance by confirming the continuation of the 4 Series. Joachim Post, the head of development at BMW, officially stated that the model will see a third generation. This news comes as a relief to enthusiasts who feared the coupe might be axed in favor of purely electric crossovers. Post emphasized that the 4 Series remains an essential part of the brand’s identity, citing its sporty heritage and dynamic positioning relative to the 3 Series.
The upcoming generation will be developed alongside the highly anticipated Neue Klasse models, which are primarily focused on electric architectures. However, BMW intends to offer a diverse range of powertrains for the new 4 Series, including both fully electric and traditional internal combustion engines. This flexible strategy allows the company to cater to markets not yet ready for full electrification while still advancing their green technology. Post noted that the platform is capable of supporting various configurations, ensuring that the transition to the future does not alienate their core customer base.
Performance fans will be particularly interested to hear about the future of the M4, which is expected to retain its combustion roots. Reports indicate that the next iteration of the high-performance coupe will likely continue to utilize a version of the S58 inline-six engine. BMW engineers are confident they can update this powertrain to meet strict Euro 7 emissions standards without requiring massive new investments. By optimizing the exhaust system and catalysts, the company can keep the visceral driving experience of a six-cylinder engine alive for years to come.
The business case for keeping niche models like the 4 Series and the X4 relies heavily on manufacturing synergies. Post explained that developing these sportier derivatives is cost-effective because they share so much engineering DNA with high-volume sellers like the 3 Series and X3. This shared development means that creating a stylish coupe or a coupe-SUV does not require the massive budget of a standalone vehicle. Consequently, BMW can continue to offer a wide variety of body styles even as competitors like Audi discontinue the A5 Coupe and Mercedes-Benz consolidates its offerings into the CLE.
This decision positions BMW uniquely in the premium segment as one of the few remaining automakers committed to offering a dedicated compact executive coupe with multiple powertrain options. While the industry rushes toward a homogenized electric future, the Bavarian marque is betting that drivers still want distinct choices. The new 4 Series will likely arrive with a bolder design language influenced by the Neue Klasse aesthetic but grounded in the mechanical performance that built the brand’s reputation.
We are curious to know if you would choose the updated gasoline inline-six or the new electric variant for your next sports coupe, so share your thoughts in the comments.
