BMW M4 to Remain in Showrooms for Several More Years, Signaling BMW’s Dual-Path Future
The current BMW M4, which debuted in 2021, is set to have a significantly extended lifespan in showrooms, potentially staying in production until July 2029. This extended cycle, longer than BMW’s typical six-to-seven-year generational refresh, signals the German automaker’s strategic approach to balancing its combustion engine offerings with its aggressive electric future. This means high-performance coupes will remain available for enthusiasts who prefer traditional powertrains, even as the industry pivots towards electrification.
The Current M4’s Extended Run
The BMW M4 (G82 Coupe and G83 Convertible), alongside its 4 Series counterparts (G22 Coupe and G23 Convertible), typically follows a predictable lifecycle. However, new reports from Bimmerpost insider ynguldyn, citing internal BMW leaks, suggest a departure from this schedule.
- Extended Production: The current generation M4 is now rumored to remain in production until July 2029, making it over eight years old by the time its run concludes. This is notably longer than BMW’s usual cycle for a high-performance coupe.
- Meeting Demand: This extension implies that BMW sees sustained demand for its gas-powered coupe, justifying its prolonged presence in the market. It aligns with BMW’s broader strategy of not abandoning internal combustion engines (ICE) prematurely but rather balancing them with robust electric vehicle (EV) development.
Production Timelines Stretch Further for Other M Models
The M4 is not the only model expected to have an extended production run.
- 2 Series and M2: The smaller G42 2 Series Coupe and its high-performance G87 M2 counterpart, launched in 2022, are also rumored to remain in production until July 2029, exceeding their traditional cycle lengths.
- M2 Lineup Changes: While the M2 CS will exit production in July 2026, an all-wheel-drive M2 xDrive variant is expected to launch in August 2026, ensuring continued variety in the M2 lineup.
- Modular Platform Advantage: This approach highlights the flexibility of BMW’s modular CLAR platform, which allows the company to extend the life of current models through refreshes rather than necessitating entirely new platforms for every generational update. This strategy ensures that BMW continues to cater to buyers who still desire internal combustion performance coupes.
A Dual-Path Future for the M4: Combustion and Electric
The extended production timeline for the M4 provides BMW with crucial time to meticulously plan the direction of its successor.
- M3 Precedent: BMW has already committed to offering both electric and combustion versions of the next-generation M3 sedan, with prototypes of the electric model already undergoing testing.
- Potential M4 Split: If BMW follows a similar strategy for the M4, it is highly plausible that after 2029, the M4 lineup could split into two distinct variants:
- One powered by a traditional combustion engine, appealing to purists.
- Another built on the advanced Neue Klasse platform with an all-electric drivetrain, catering to the growing EV market.
This dual-path approach would allow BMW to effectively serve both its loyal M fans who cherish ICE performance and new buyers seeking cutting-edge all-electric alternatives, ensuring the iconic M4 nameplate remains relevant and desirable well into the next decade.
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