Amid speculation about the fate of the BMW 4-Series, BMW North America’s Head of Product Communications, Tom Plucinsky, has clarified the automaker’s stance, indicating that reports of the 4-Series’ demise may have been premature. Plucinsky’s comments not only cast doubt on the rumored discontinuation but also underscore BMW’s dedication to both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) technologies.
Plucinsky emphasized BMW’s ongoing investment in a dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform while cautioning against assuming the discontinuation of any particular model. He also highlighted BMW’s research into hydrogen power as a potential solution for long-distance driving needs.
Speculation regarding the 4-Series’ future arose following BMW’s unveiling of the Vision Neue Klasse concepts, sparking rumors of an all-electric replacement based on the new Neue Klasse architecture. BMW Blog even suggested that the 4-Series might not see a new generation.
However, in an interview with MotorTrend, Plucinsky clarified BMW’s approach, stating, “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.”
Plucinsky reaffirmed BMW’s commitment to offering a range of technologies to consumers, stating, “If for you, a BEV is the right thing to do, great, we’ll build you a BEV. If you’re still an internal combustion engine type person, we’ll build those as well.”
While Plucinsky’s comments specifically addressed the 4-Series coupe and convertible, the fate of other BMW models, such as the Z4 and 8-Series, remains uncertain. These low-volume models have also been rumored for discontinuation, raising questions about BMW’s future sportscar lineup, whether in combustion or electric form. The automotive world awaits further developments from BMW in this space.
