The End of the i4 Era

BMW has officially announced that the i4 electric sedan will cease production after the 2026 model year. This decision comes on the heels of the launch of the new i3 sedan, which is positioned as the second vehicle in BMW’s innovative Neue Klasse lineup, alongside the iX3 SUV. The i4, which debuted in 2022, will be replaced by the i3, set to hit showrooms by the end of this year.

The i4’s final iteration will feature significant updates, including a power boost for the M50 model, now rebranded as the M60, which increases its output to a formidable 593 horsepower. This change signifies a last hurrah for the i4 before it exits the stage, making way for the newly minted i3.

Why the Shift?

The decision to discontinue the i4 is largely driven by market overlap between the i4 and the incoming i3. Both models occupy similar price points and dimensions, making it difficult for BMW to justify keeping both in its lineup. The i3 is slightly shorter, wider, and taller than the i4, but offers a competitive range of 440 miles in its dual-motor configuration, compared to the i4’s maximum of 318 miles.

Bernd Koerber, BMW’s senior vice president of product management, hinted at the possibility of a future model that could capture the i4’s sporty essence, although details remain scarce. For now, the focus will shift entirely to the i3 sedan, which adopts a more traditional sedan design akin to the gas-powered 3-Series.

Broader Implications for BMW’s EV Strategy

This shift comes amid a backdrop of broader production challenges at BMW. The company announced a halt to EV production in May 2025, citing political and economic uncertainties, despite reporting a 26% year-over-year increase in EV sales in Q1 of 2025. The i4 itself saw a remarkable 57% sales growth during the same period, with a total of 13,538 EVs sold.

In addition to phasing out the i4, BMW is also discontinuing the X4, which will be replaced by the fully electric iX4 from its new Hungarian facility, set to launch in November 2026. These changes reflect BMW’s pivot towards a more streamlined and focused EV portfolio, even as it navigates current market volatility.

Final Opportunities for the i4

As the i4 approaches its final year, inventory levels remain robust, with over 2,500 units available nationwide. This abundance provides buyers with negotiating power as they seek to capitalize on the i4’s hatchback versatility and sporty profile before it’s fully retired.

The 2026 i4 has made strides in efficiency, particularly with the eDrive40 variant, which now boasts over 300 miles of range thanks to advanced silicon carbide inverter technology. With these enhancements, the i4 continues to attract interest, averaging just 17 days on dealer lots before being sold.