BMW is preparing to expand its “Neue Klasse” design language across its lineup, with the next 4-Series coupe potentially being among the first to adopt the new aesthetic. This shift comes as the company prepares to launch the i3 electric sedan later this month, which will showcase the styling cues previously seen on the iX3.
Neue Klasse Design: A Company-Wide Transformation
The “Neue Klasse” design direction is set to become a signature element of BMW’s future models. While the upcoming electric 3-Series and its combustion-powered counterpart won’t share the same underlying architecture (the gasoline version will utilize an updated CLAR platform), they will both feature the same visual identity. This includes angular LED headlights and a revised interpretation of BMW’s iconic kidney grilles.
Production Timeline and Overlap
The current 4-Series, including the M4, will remain in production until June 2029. This creates an interesting overlap with the next-generation hybrid M3, which is slated for release in early 2025. For a period, both the outgoing 4-Series and the new electrified M3 will be available simultaneously.
The Future of the 4-Series: Electric or Combustion?
What replaces the current 4-Series remains uncertain. BMW could choose to continue with a traditional combustion-powered coupe, transition to an all-electric i4-style successor, or offer both options. The Gran Coupe body style might be discontinued, leaving only the coupe and convertible variants.
Renderings Reveal Potential Design
Fresh renderings by Nikita Chuyko (Kelsonik) offer a glimpse of what the next 4-Series could look like. The renderings depict a car with a similar silhouette to the current model but transformed by entirely new front and rear fascias. Key design elements include:
- Simplified door panels with flush handles
- Retained Hofmeister kink
- Narrower taillights
- A redesigned rear bumper with a gloss-black diffuser
If BMW proceeds with this design direction, the next 4-Series will be a clear indicator of the brand’s commitment to its evolving aesthetic. The question remains whether BMW will continue to offer a combustion engine version alongside its electric counterpart.
The future 4-Series represents BMW’s broader strategy to unify its design language across all models. This transition marks a significant shift for the brand, as it embraces electrification and a more aggressive, modern aesthetic.
