BMW has announced that the electric i4, launched in 2022, will be discontinued after the 2026 model year. The decision comes with the introduction of the highly anticipated i3 sedan, which is poised to become the successor to the i4 in BMW’s electric lineup.
The Shift to the Neue Klasse Platform
The i3 marks the second vehicle to join BMW’s Neue Klasse family, following the iX3 SUV. This new platform represents a significant step in BMW’s electric strategy, and the i3 is designed as a direct electric counterpart to the iconic 3-series. The move effectively consolidates BMW’s electric sedan offerings, streamlining the brand’s portfolio.
Why the i4 is Being Phased Out
The primary reason for the i4’s discontinuation is overlap with the i3. Both vehicles occupy similar price points and dimensions; the i3 is just slightly smaller in overall size. This overlap would make marketing and sales difficult, with the i3 offering superior performance and range at a lower starting price (estimated around $53,000 vs. the i4’s current price point).
Performance and Range Comparison
The i4 currently offers a maximum range of 318 miles in its most efficient configuration. In contrast, the i3 will launch with a 463-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant capable of achieving a claimed 440 miles of range. This performance gap further justifies the decision to phase out the i4.
The i4’s Unique Hatchback Design
One key difference between the two models is their body style. The i4 features a hatchback design, offering a wider rear opening for cargo. The i3, in contrast, will be a traditional sedan. While BMW insists the i3 is the effective replacement, the company acknowledges the possibility of introducing a future model that more closely replicates the i4’s sportier, hatchback-style design.
What This Means for Consumers
This transition reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry: streamlining EV lineups to avoid cannibalization. Automakers are learning that too many overlapping models can confuse consumers and dilute brand messaging. BMW appears to be betting on the i3’s superior range and performance to attract buyers, even as it drops a relatively popular electric vehicle.
The i3 is slated for release by the end of the year, bringing an end to the i4’s five-year run. While BMW has not ruled out a future revival of the i4 in a different form, the immediate focus is on the i3 sedan as the primary electric offering in the 3-series segment.
