The New BMW i3 Will Basically Kill The i4
As we say hello to one new model, we bid farewell to another. In an interview with Motor1, BMW product head Bernd Körber said that the i4 will effectively be replaced by the latest i3, BMW's next-generation electric sedan. It's a logical play, with little to no room for a pair of electric sedans in the brand's lineup when one is significantly newer and more improved than the other.
"The i3 is more or less the successor of the i4. But you’ll see the portfolio evolve over the next few years as our electric lineup expands—so there’s more to come. For the time being, though, the i3 is essentially the i4’s successor." The BMW i4 is largely a fresh-faced vehicle, having received some updates in 2024, including more range and better tech. However, rumors have spread regarding the sedan's death in recent months, especially considering the then-impending debut of the new i3.
However, the i4 can survive. The brand will continue the 4 Series production line, which does mean a new version is on the way. While production may end for this current generation (likely at the year's end), BMW may want a larger i4 based on the current i3's new architecture around. The automaker has run the pair in tandem for about a decade at this point, after all. With an updated model, the lineup is in harmony once again, and the i4 could come back a year or two from this generation's final production date, whenever that may be.
The new i3 is a big improvement, indeed. The sedan debuted this month with serious range - up to 440 miles - and power to match, making a healthy 435 horsepower. That's not quite as powerful as top-tier i4 M50 variants, but it'll be more than enough for the smaller 3 Series sedan.