BMW Retires i4 Liftback to Rebrand Name for Future Electric Coupe and Convertible
BMW is phasing out the five-door i4 Gran Coupe in favor of the new i3 sedan, which features more efficient motors and higher-density batteries. The i4 name is expected to return later this decade as a two-door coupe and convertible duo, potentially launching in 2028. This shift aligns with BMW's broader strategy to reduce two-door combustion models and expand its electric lineup, including a new iX4 and i3 Touring.
Key points
- The current i4 Gran Coupe will be discontinued by late 2026 or early 2027, with the new i3 sedan serving as its direct successor in the electric 3 Series segment.
- The i3 features BMW's most efficient electric motors and cylindrical battery cells with 20% higher energy density, offering significantly more range than the previous generation.
- The i4 nameplate is rumored to be repurposed for a new electric coupe and convertible, with spy shots suggesting the convertible may arrive before the coupe, both likely debuting in 2028.
- This move follows the end of production for the Z4 and 8 Series, leaving BMW with fewer two-door options, and aims to preserve the brand's emotional appeal through electric two-door models.
- Other upcoming electric models include the iX4, expected for the 2027 model year as the successor to the combustion X4, and an i3 Touring, though the latter may not be available in the United States.
Background
BMW has been actively reshaping its product lineup to prioritize electric vehicles and efficiency. Earlier this year, BMW product chief Bernd Körber confirmed that the new i3 is the successor to the i4, signaling a shift away from previous-generation hardware. The company has also been expanding its electric offerings, with the M3 and X3 M set to launch as high-performance electric variants next year. The archive note regarding the BMW Championship is unrelated to this automotive news.
Why it matters
This strategic rebranding reflects BMW's effort to maintain brand identity and consumer interest in two-door models as it phases out combustion engines. By repurposing the i4 name for a coupe and convertible, BMW aims to balance practicality with the emotional appeal of its heritage, ensuring the brand remains relevant in the electric era while streamlining its lineup.
What to watch
Watch for the official unveiling of the iX4 in the coming months, as well as spy shots of the new i4 coupe and convertible prototypes. The i3 Touring is expected to begin production in mid-2027, though its availability in the US remains uncertain. The new i4 models are anticipated to launch in 2028, potentially with the convertible arriving first.
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