BMW has unveiled its new all-electric i3 sedan on the ”Neue Klasse” platform, signaling a bold shift toward electrification. Alongside plans for gasoline versions of the 3 Series later this year, the automaker’s future lineup is evolving-but the fate of the beloved Z4 roadster remains uncertain. With no official word on a direct successor, BMW hints that an electric or hybrid Z4 could arrive down the line, though nothing is imminent.
The fresh ”Neue Klasse” design language BMW introduced with the i3 will likely dominate its future models. While gas-powered 3 Series sedan and possibly touring variants are set to debut later this year, BMW’s approach suggests a strategic pivot emphasizing electric models first, while maintaining some combustion variants during the transition.
Currently, the Z4 is concluding its run with a Final Edition marking the end of its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout paired with the popular B58 inline-six engine. The Z4’s platform, which shares ties with the now-discontinued Toyota Supra, has performed well but faces an uncertain future after both models exit their lineups.
BMW has yet to confirm a direct Z4 successor. At the i3 launch, Bernd Körber, BMW’s Senior Vice President, hinted that electric sports cars are on the table for the brand but cautioned there is no imminent launch scheduled. This leaves open the possibility of a fully electric Z4-a German rival to Tesla’s Roadster-but details remain scarce.
Replacing the iconic six-cylinder with an electric or hybrid setup presents risks and opportunities. BMW previously experimented with electrified performance in the i8, blending hybrid tech with a radical design. Lessons from that model could inform future electrified sports cars, offering a bridge from traditional driving thrills to modern electric propulsion.
BMW enthusiasts are divided over the ”Neue Klasse” aesthetic and what an electric Z4 might become. Concept artists have already rendered striking visions of a future Z4 roadster infused with the latest BMW design cues. If realized, it could refresh the segment and reflect BMW’s EV ambitions while competing with models like Tesla’s anticipated Roadster 2.0.
While traditional engine lovers may lament the loss of the B58 inline-six, the broader trend inside BMW aligns with global shifts away from combustion engines. Whether via plug-in hybrids or pure EVs, BMW appears set to electrify even its sportier range. For now, the Z4’s next chapter remains unfinished, but the door to electrification is definitively ajar.