The BMW 4-Series isn't nearly as old as the 3-Series sedan. The German brand has long sold its smaller two-door models with the 3-Series badge, until the F30 generation changed that in the early 2010s by selling the coupe and convertible variants under a new 4-Series moniker.

Fast forward about a decade, and the 4-Series is now in its rather controversial second generation, but despite some negative opinions it is doing rather well. Driving dynamics live up to BMW's usual standards, and last year's U.S. sales shot up by nearly 20,000 units compared to 2022. And to keep things up to date, a refresh has recently been revealed with changes that exclude the highly-criticized grille. But there's a chance that this refresh could be its last––in combustion form, at least.

Currently, according to BMW Blog, the automaker is not working on a new 4-Series to replace the current model. But this raises questions about why BMW would want to kill off such a successful model, especially when it's doing so well in the dying coupe segment.

The answer likely lies in BMW's plans for its next-generation Neue Klasse EVs. A new i3 sedan set to be the first model to use the all-new platform, but there has been no word on an i4 coupe. Sources cited by BMW Blog insist that there will be an i4 coupe eventually, but its Neue Klasse underpinnings won't leave much room for a whole new gas-powered variant. In addition, chances for a new four-door Gran Coupe and open-air convertible are slim with this new electric i4.

There's no point in worrying about the future of the BMW coupe right now, as the 4-Series and smaller 2-Series aren't necessarily leaving us anytime soon. We would imagine the brand wants to squeeze as many sales out of the 4-Series as possible before it eventually gets the axe in gas form. That being said, we have no idea when BMW plans to put the combustion 4-Series out to pasture. It could wait until the next i4 arrives for a clean transition, or we could see a short hiatus before the electric successor breaks cover.

We'll likely receive more information on the future of the 3-Series and 4-Series somewhat soon, as BMW plans to reveal the Neue Klasse-based i3 sometime next year. Perhaps then we will have some real news to work with on the potential new i4.