BMW balances powertrain plans as EVs cool

BMW will bring nearly 40 new and updated products to market over the next five years, executives told retailers at a meeting in April.

The German performance brand is plowing ahead with its diversified powertrain strategy — investing in internal combustion engines including the V-8s and hybrids that serve it well as electric vehicle adoption cools and hybrid demand warms.

Over the next four years, many of BMW's crossover cash cows will be redesigned, including the X3, X5, X6 and X7. The X3 gets a muscular makeover that delivers a look bigger than a compact crossover. The redesigned X5 features a new X-shaped headlight assembly that integrates the daytime running lights.

BMW intends to accelerate its EV efforts next year when it brings out the first of several models built on its electric Neue Klasse platform. Chief Technology Officer Frank Weber said the architecture is the "biggest investment in the company's history." The automaker expects EVs to account for half of global sales by 2030. The outlook for some gasoline-powered sedan, coupe and convertible nameplates is uncertain as BMW pushes toward an electric future.

AutoForecast Solutions said production of BMW's flagship 8 Series sedan will end in mid-2026 and no successor is planned. The industry forecaster said the next-generation 4 Series is expected to be electric only and replace the battery-powered i4 sedan with coupe and convertible body styles.

Elsewhere in the lineup, BMW could ditch the high-performance XM plug-in hybrid crossover that arrived last year.

In June, the automaker said it had "not defined a date by which the internal combustion engine would no longer be available in any current model line."

XM: BMW could sunset its performance PHEV crossover and is evaluating whether to proceed with an all-electric XM. Production of the model, code-named G79, is to begin at the automaker's Spartanburg, S.C., factory in late 2028.

The beefy XM PHEV is BMW's halo model for an electrified age. The high-powered coupe-like crossover is the first stand-alone vehicle from the M performance brand since the BMW M1 launched five decades ago. A 4.4-liter TwinPower turbocharged V-8 engine with an electric motor puts out 644 hp and propels the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. The performance XM label cranks out up to 738 hp. Production ends in November 2028 and a next generation might not be in the cards.

iX: The X5-sized battery-electric crossover should be freshened in the first half of next year. Production ends in summer 2028. No next-generation model is planned.

The iX was created and engineered from a clean slate to showcase the automaker's latest technology. The iX launched in early 2022 with an aluminum spaceframe body structure — a first for its segment, BMW said. A 109.5-kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack sits in the middle of the iX's 118.1-inch wheelbase. The xDrive50 variant generates a combined 516 hp, while the performance M60 delivers up to 610 hp.

Electric compact crossover: The X3-sized model enters production next summer. AutoForecast Solutions said it is expected to be built in Debrecen, Hungary, and lead a wave of models based on the Neue Klasse platform. Production could expand to BMW's factory in central Mexico in spring 2027. The automaker teased the design of the planned model and other electric crossovers in its Vision Neue Klasse X concept earlier this year.

The concept's front is upright and blocky. The brand's signature kidney grille is reimagined as a "3D sculpture," with vertical, backlit contours, and LED headlights bracketing it. The taillights feature 3D-printed elements and extend into the center, creating a horizontally stretched twist on BMW's traditional L-shaped design. A freshening should happen at the turn of the decade.

i7: Last fall, BMW expanded its electric 7 Series lineup with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant. The i7 eDrive50's rear axle-mounted motor delivers 449 hp. A more powerful 650-hp, dual-motor i7 M70 xDrive arrived later in the year.

Production of the i7 runs through June 2030. A redesign could follow.

i5: In March, BMW expanded its midsize electric sedan lineup with an all-wheel-drive variant. The dual-motor i5 xDrive40 EV uses a pair of integrated fifth-generation electric drive units — one at the front axle and one at the rear — to deliver up to 389 hp. The xDrive40 slots between the 335-hp i5 eDrive40 and the high-performance 593-hp i5 M60 xDrive.

A redesign could come in 2030.

i4: The automaker updated its sporty EV this summer. The BMW kidney grille received new surround trim and the headlights got a new lighting signature. Because of the lower cooling requirement of the electric drive system, the grille has a fully enclosed upper section, which sits above a high-gloss black surface topped by a matte silver honeycomb pattern.

Production should run through early 2027.

X7: A redesign arrives in the third quarter of 2027 alongside an all-electric variant. Both will be built at Spartanburg.

The large crossover and an Alpina-tuned variant received a sporty update two years ago. Both models gained a new V-8 engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The performance X7 M60i xDrive pumps out about 523 hp, while the X7 xDrive40i delivers up to 375 hp. The top-of-the-line Alpina XB7 has a tuned version of that V-8 engine delivering 631 hp.

X6: A redesign is planned for the second quarter of 2028 alongside an all-electric variant.

The X6 crossover coupe, freshened last summer, features an updated headlight design and daytime running light elements. The power unit of the X6 xDrive40i is part of a new generation of inline six-cylinder engines. The 3.0-liter powerplant delivers 375 hp, an increase of 40 hp compared with its predecessor. The X6 M60i xDrive features the same new twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine as its X5 sibling, with 48-volt mild hybrid technology.

X5: The midsize crossover gets redesigned in the fourth quarter of 2026. A battery-powered variant is set to arrive in the U.S. in early 2027. The fifth-generation X5 will ride on BMW's Cluster Architecture platform, which supports EV and ICE powertrains.

A BMW dealer who previewed the new X5 said it has a "mean" look. It features a new X design in the headlight assembly that integrates the daytime running lights. "The headlights were probably the coolest thing I've seen," the dealer told Automotive News in April.

A camouflaged X5 prototype photographed this summer near Munich revealed Neue Klasse styling elements. The vehicle featured a split rear window and stretched-out rear quarter panel area, indicating a longer wheelbase. Camouflage obscured details of the headlights and kidney-shaped grille yet teased a design inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse X concept. Production of the next-generation X5 begins at Spartanburg in August 2026. Electric iX5 output follows four months later.

X4: The compact crossover could go all-electric in the second half of the decade. The X4 xDrive30i is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 248 hp. The X4 M40i sports a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that puts out 382 hp. Meanwhile, the X4 M variant delivers up to 503 hp with the optional Competition Package.

Production of the U.S.-made compact crossover could end in late 2025 and there is no next-generation model planned. The Neue Klasse battery variant begins production in Hungary in late 2026, with U.S. deliveries likely in early 2027.

X3: The compact crossover receives a beefy redesign and an electrified powertrain in the fourth quarter. BMW will offer multiple versions of the upcoming X3 globally, including an EV, PHEV and M performance variant.

The fourth-generation X3, which sports a big and bold design, will launch with two gasoline-powered variants that feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The X3 30 xDrive is powered by a 2.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 255 hp and a 0 to 60 mph time of six seconds. The performance X3 M50 xDrive has a 3.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged six-cylinder engine that — combined with the mild hybrid system — delivers 393 hp and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.

The next-generation X3 is 1.3 inches longer than its predecessor at 187.2 inches, while width increases 1.1 inches to 75.6 inches. A 1-inch height reduction combined with wider tracks gives the crossover a sportier look.

X2: BMW delivered a redesign this year that supersized the compact crossover and dialed up under-the-hood power. The automaker updated the X2's 2.0-liter TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The xDrive28i variant makes 241 hp, while the M35i xDrive generates 312 hp. The X2 leans in on its coupe-like styling with an upright front end, a long hood, raked A-pillars, a sloping roof and raked rear hatch.

Up front is a redesigned version of BMW's signature kidney grille. The two connected grille elements form an almost hexagonal contour. A 3D surround highlights the outline of the grille, while optional illumination brings after-dark bling. The headlight units extend into the wheel arches. Two vertical LED units with an arrow shape include the daytime running lights and turn signal indicators. Taillights split into two sections and extend into the flanks and tailgate. LED elements for the rear lights and turn signals point outward in the shape of an arrow, referencing the headlight design.

Production of a battery-powered iX2 began in January in Regensburg, Germany. It's unclear if that model is planned for the U.S.

X1: BMW's diminutive crossover should receive a freshen in 2027 and a battery-only variant is planned for early 2028.

The X1 was supersized for the 2023 model year. The redesigned crossover is roomier and features updated technology, a heftier powertrain and a rugged look, with BMW's large kidney grille bookended by LED headlights with cornering lights. A narrow rear window and flared wheel arches emphasize the body's width, while a long roofline flows into a spoiler extending far over the rear glass.

8 Series: AutoForecast Solutions said 8 Series output could end in mid-2026 and a successor is not expected. The large sedan received a mild freshening for the 2023 model year, which included an illuminated grille and a new 12.3-inch center display.

The flagship model has struggled to find market traction. According to the Automotive News Research & Data Center, U.S. sales of the 8 Series have dropped 26 percent since peaking in 2021.

7 Series: BMW expanded its recently redesigned 7 Series lineup with two electrified variants for 2024. The 750e xDrive pairs a 308-hp TwinPower turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a transmission-mounted electric motor to deliver 483 hp and an electric-only range of more than 35 miles.

A freshening should arrive in 2026 and a next-generation gasoline-powered model is under discussion.

5 Series: The midsize sedan should be freshened in 2027. It will go zero-emission next decade. But by year-end, BMW will bring an M5 wagon to the U.S. The M5 Touring will generate more than 700 hp from its twin-turbocharged V-8 hybrid system and sport BMW's oversized kidney grille.

The 5 Series received a supersized redesign last fall. The latest generation of its 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine features updated turbocharged technology with an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head. The performance M5 receives a redesign and an electrified powertrain in the fourth quarter.

4 Series: According to AutoForecast Solutions, 4 Series production ends in late 2028. The next generation is expected to be electric only and replace the battery-powered i4 sedan with coupe and convertible body styles. The 4 Series packages the capability of the 3 Series sedan in a sporty form. The 4 Series coupe and 4 Series convertible receive slim LED headlights and updated four- and six-cylinder engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology for the 2025 model year.

BMW's M4 Competition xDrive models receive a power upgrade, sharpened design and new interior technology. The M4 lineup features new headlights, steering wheel and interior trim. The reincarnated racing-inspired M4 CS coupe is powered by a 3.0-liter M TwinPower turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine that delivers 543 hp — an 89-hp bump over the previous generation.

Z4: Production of the two-door roadster, which shares a platform with Toyota's Supra sports car, ends in March 2026.

In a swan song, BMW has delivered something special for driving purists — a six-speed manual transmission. The 2025 Z4 M40i "Handschalter" (German for hand shift) features a 382-hp TwinPower turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The manual version rides on a retuned chassis with special auxiliary springs at the front and rear axles and a reinforced antiroll bar clamp fitted up front.

3 Series: A redesign should arrive in early 2027, alongside an all-electric variant. The 3 Series sedan receives more power, a mild hybrid powertrain, and new wheel and paint options for the 2025 model year. In the performance range, the M3 generates 473 hp, while the top-end M3 Competition xDrive sedan spits out 523 hp.

The sporty M3's redesigned LED headlights integrate low and high beams into a single module. A pair of sculpted, vertical arrow-shaped LED units perform double duty as daytime running lights and turn signal indicators. A carbon fiber package features inlays for the front air intakes.

2 Series: The 2 Series Gran Coupe receives a major update early next year. The four-door model is built on the same platform that underpins the Mini Clubman and Countryman. It retains a front-wheel-drive setup with transverse engines.

Production of the 2 Series coupe ends in late 2028. There are no plans for a next-generation model.