The combustion-powered 4-Series may survive another generation yet, as doubt is cast upon earlier reports of the car’s demise
8 hours ago
- A new report suggests that BMW is reluctant to discontinue the 4-series at this point.
- BMW remains committed to combustion-powered cars, alongside investments in EVs and hydrogen.
- The futures of the Z4 and 8-Series remain uncertain.
Lovers of the BMW 4-Series rejoice. Reports that the model was on the chopping block may have been exaggerated after all. A new comment from BMW North America Head of Product Communications, Tom Plucinsky, sheds some doubt on the 4 Series’ rumored demise while simultaneously reaffirming the automaker’s commitment to the internal combustion engine.
Plucinsky reaffirmed that while the company is investing in a proper pure BEV platform, it’s too soon to claim that anything is being discontinued. He also spoke of the company’s continuing research on hydrogen power, which the company believes will offer a solution to long-distance driving.
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Word on the street was that BMW was looking to axe the combustion coupe in favor of an all-electric model based on its new Neue Klasse architecture. Speculation came about with BMW’s introduction of the Vision Neue Klasse concepts. Meanwhile, BMW Blog reported that the 4-Series would not be expected to receive a new generation.
However, in conversation with MotorTrend, the BMW NA’s Product Communications Head told the outlet that the company believes in technology openness. “We never said that we would go full BEV by a certain time because we’ve always been of the opinion that certain markets in the country and certain markets around the world will be faster and slower to convert to BEV,” said Plucinsky.
He went on to say that BMW is still investing in combustion tech for its cars, and will continue to offer them to consumers. “If for you, a BEV is the right thing to do, great, we can, we’ll build you a BEV. If you’re still an internal combustion engine type person, we’ll build those as well.”
Although the comments were made in response to a query about the 4-Series coupe and convertible, it still remains to be seen what the fates of the Z4 and 8-Series will be. The low-volume models have been rumored to be in line for execution for some time now. Will we see a similar reprise of BMW’s sportscar lineup, either in combustion or electric form? Watch this space.
