BMW 4 Series Stays The Course With Petrol Power Intact

Rumours of the BMW 4 Series bowing out have been doing the rounds for years, but the coupe is not heading for the breakers’ yard. BMW has signalled that a new-generation 4 Series is already in the works, set to sit alongside the incoming Neue Klasse 3 Series as the sharper-suited, style-led sibling that prioritises a lower roofline and a more focused stance.

Crucially, the future is not limited to batteries. The next 4 Series is expected to support more than one powertrain route, meaning petrol propulsion can continue while BMW expands its electric offerings. That matters for drivers who still want a straight-six soundtrack, quick refuelling stops, and the familiar feel of a combustion drivetrain working through a well-sorted chassis.

BMW’s decision also lands at a moment when rival brands have thinned out their two-door catalogues, leaving fewer alternatives for those who prefer a proper coupe silhouette. By leaning on shared engineering with core models, BMW can keep the 4 Series viable without treating it as a standalone project, using common modules and development work to make the numbers stack up.

The knock-on effect is big for BMW M. A next M4 is firmly on the roadmap, and the hardware beneath the standard car should allow for a split strategy: high-output electric performance on one side, and an evolved petrol setup on the other. Expect the engineers to chase traction, cooling efficiency, and repeatable lap-to-lap pace, whether torque arrives instantly via motors or builds through turbocharged boost.

There is also a regulatory angle. BMW has indicated it is preparing its next wave of combustion engines with upcoming Euro 7 requirements in mind, which keeps the brand’s options open as the market shifts. For enthusiasts, that combination of platform flexibility and emissions-ready engineering suggests the 4 Series will keep its place in the lineup with a range that still feels engineered around driving, not just compliance.