BMW transition to electric architecture

BMW is restructuring its vehicle lineup to accommodate the transition to its upcoming ‘Neue Klasse’ electric architecture. This strategic shift involves discontinuing several established models to streamline the company’s portfolio.

Reports indicate that production of the Z4 roadster has concluded with no successor planned. The luxury 8 Series is also expected to be phased out because updating its aging platform for the new architecture is considered economically unviable. Other models facing potential discontinuation include the X4, the XM plug-in hybrid, and the 2 Series Active Tourer. Additionally, the i4 may be phased out to prevent internal competition with the new i3.

Specific challenges have emerged for the Series 8, which faces rapid market depreciation. In France, high-end models have seen approximately 54% to 55% of their initial value disappear within five years, driven by high fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. As of late 2025, various Series 8 models had already been removed from official configurators, and production of the current generation based on the CLAR platform has largely concluded.