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BMW's i4 Previewed in Realistic Neue Klasse Rendering
A convincing CGI interpretation of BMW's next-generation i4 has appeared on Instagram, giving enthusiasts an early glimpse of how the Neue Klasse design language could translate to a sleek electric coupe. Created by well-known render artist @sugardesign_1, the visual is restrained, coherent and — crucially — believable, avoiding many of the excesses commonly seen in speculative images.
What the render shows
The imagined i4 is presented as a low-slung Gran Coupe with clean lines and balanced proportions. Key design cues include a long hood, the traditional Hofmeister kink at the rear pillar, and Neue Klasse-inspired front treatment where a larger, more integrated kidney grille and slim headlamps dominate the nose. The bumper is tidy, featuring a broad central intake, while the bonnet carries pronounced creases that emphasize a muscular stance.
Notable details that lend the rendering a production-ready feel:
- Hidden door handles and frameless side windows for a cleaner profile.
- Slim, wide side mirrors and a sculpted shoulder line for athletic poise.
- A rear end that leans angular — the taillights and diffuser are more aggressive than subtle, which may not suit all tastes.
"This render keeps proportions believable and applies logical design choices rather than gimmicks," says one fan reaction — a fair summary for a designer who typically blends accuracy with creativity.
Design debate: Neue Klasse and BMW's identity
The Neue Klasse direction has provoked debate among BMW loyalists. Critics argue some recent models have lost the brand’s character in favor of polarizing styling. Supporters counter that the design system modernizes BMW for an electric future and creates a consistent family look across sedans, SUVs and coupes.
This CGI i4 sits somewhere in the middle: recognizably BMW, yet undeniably influenced by the Neue Klasse aesthetic. If BMW takes cues from renderings like this, a softer treatment of rear fascia details might reconcile traditional fans with the new language.
How the next i4 would fit the market
Until BMW confirms a next-generation i4, the current model remains competitive. Built on BMW’s CLAR platform shared with the ICE BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, the 2026 i4 lineup includes eDrive40 and xDrive40 variants — priced from roughly $57,900 and $62,300 respectively — and topped by the i4 M60 Gran Coupe.
The i4 M60 GC is the performance halo, delivering around 593 hp and a 0–60 mph time near 3.6 seconds, with an MSRP in the low $70k range. That makes it a more potent option than some M-badged ICE models and underlines BMW’s strategy of offering electrified performance alongside efficiency.
What to watch next
- Official BMW confirmations about Neue Klasse interpretations across model lines.
- Technical updates: will BMW move the i4 to a dedicated EV platform, or retain CLAR derivatives?
- Production vs. concept styling: how much of this CGI is aspirational versus realistic?
For now, the render does an effective job of imagining an electric Gran Coupe that balances sportiness and elegance. Whether BMW adopts details like hidden handles and those sharp rear elements remains to be seen — but designs like this help shape the conversation and offer a plausible preview of where the i4 could go.
For buyers and fans, the takeaway is clear: BMW’s Neue Klasse will continue to provoke opinion, but it’s also steering the brand toward a cleaner, more unified electric future — and the next i4 looks likely to be part of that voyage.
Source: autoevolution
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