A POPULAR BMW model is set to be axed to make room in the brand’s lineup for the recently revealed i3.
The model is another electric vehicle that has been around since 2022, predating the Neue Klasse platform BMW is focusing its EV efforts on.
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The BMW i4 has been the brand’s best-selling EV for years, but is set to be axed to make way for a new modelCredit: BMW
The i4 could eventually receive a spiritual successor, according to BMW leadershipCredit: BMW
The BMW i4 is set to be discontinued thanks to the arrival of the i3, per representatives from the Bavarian automaker who spoke to Car and Driver.
The 2026 model year will be the final year the i4 is in production, since it and the i3 overlap too greatly in size, and likely will in price.
While the i3’s price has yet to be officially confirmed, it’s expected to start at roughly $50,000 by industry experts, with the 2026 i4 starting at $57,900.
Since the i4 has been BMW’s best-selling EV for several years, the i3 will likely have similar, if not greater success thanks to filling the same niche at a presumably cheaper price.
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Although the i4 is technically a hatchback whereas the i3 is a true sedan, their dimensions are similar enough to attract the same customers, assuming they won’t die on the hill of design archetype.
The i3 is also more attractive than the i4 as a driving machine, offering 463hp and 475lb-ft of torque standard to the base i4’s output of 335hp and 317lb-ft.
The i3 also features a dual-motor all-wheel drive drivetrain as opposed to the i4’s single-motor rear-wheel drive configuration.
The i3 also wins out in range by a substantial margin, with BMW claiming 560 miles of range in its press release on the i3 versus the i4’s 318 miles of range in its most efficient base setup.
While the i4’s current form is headed for the scrapyard, BMW could later introduce a model reminiscent of the i4’s design, according to its senior vice president of product management Bernd Koerber.
The i3 is set to be the second vehicle to debut on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, with the first being the wildly impressive iX3.
Why aren’t people buying EVs?
In January, many EV makers reported slow demand. Reuters said there are a few valid reasons for a slow in demand:
High initial costs. Many automakers, like Tesla, Hyundai, and Ford have conducted “price slashes” on their flagship EVs to attract new buyers, though demand remains slow.
Higher insurance costs. Some insurance companies cite fire risks, high costs of battery replacement, and higher vehicle weight as reasons for higher premiums.
Charging anxiety. A large percentage of people remain fearful of being in a situation where they won’t be able to charge if they run out of battery due to a lack of infrastructure.
Range anxiety. In many instances, EVs still don’t have the range and infrastructure of gas-powered vehicles.
Poor performance in extreme temperatures. Reduced range in extremely hot or cold weather makes potential buyers wary.
Source: Reuters
Front end of the BMW i4Credit: BMW
Side shot of the i4 while it’s chargingCredit: BMW
Rear angle view of the i4Credit: BMW
Rear shot of the i4Credit: BMW
