Less than a month after BMW teased the all-new iM3 electric performance sedan, reports have emerged that reveal the next-generation M4 will be sold only as an electric vehicle (EV).
BMW Blog reports the M4 won’t offer petrol power in its next iteration, even though the next M3 – which it has historically been twinned with – will be available with both internal-combustion and electric powertrains, the latter of which will be called the iM3.
According to the publication, the move is a result of the M performance division’s typical practice of basing its cars on standard BMW production models – as has been the case with the 3 Series spawning the M3, for example.
Unfortunately for fans of the current M4, previous reports suggesting the petrol and diesel 4 Series won’t be renewed for a third generation means there’s no production internal-combustion vehicle upon which BMW M can build a performance model.
That leaves the i4 – which will reportedly be renewed using the Neue Klasse platform for a 2028 release following the M3 in 2027 – as the base for a new M model, which will likely be known as the iM4.
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The 4 Series was introduced in 2014, with the coupe and convertible replacing two-door versions of the 3 Series and a Gran Coupe (actually a liftback) rounding out the range.
Across both generations, BMW has offered an M4 coupe and convertible, though never an M4 Gran Coupe.
Both the electric M3 and M4 are reportedly set to share batteries, motors and other hardware, as both will be built upon BMW’s new Neue Klasse underpinnings.
There are no details on potential performance figures for the iM4, though BMW Blog reports the iM3 could offer roughly 700 horsepower (522kW) with multiple different outputs to be offered across several variants of both the M3 and M4.
It’s also possible the Neue Klasse architecture could theoretically accommodate performance figures upwards of 1000hp (745kW), but it’s been suggested that rumours of such outputs may be exaggerated.
Vision Neue Klasse concept
BMW Blog reports the German brand is in the process of designing the iM4, with limited details available.
It’s expected the new model will depart from the current M4’s styling, including its controversial plunging grille, and embrace the design language of other vehicles on the Neue Klasse architecture.
The next-generation G50 3 Series is expected to launch in late 2026 at the same time as the new i3 enters production.
Following in 2027 is expected to be the M3 in both petrol and electric variants, the latter of which was previewed by the 2023 Vision Neue Klasse concept and has been spied testing wearing a widened i4 body.
As mentioned, the electric i4 will subsequently be released in 2028, though a handful of other models will precede it on the Neue Klasse platform.
The first car on that architecture will be this year’s BMW iX3, while the i3 will follow suit next year.
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