BMW Z4 Teases Neue Klasse Look, But Don’t Hold Your Breath
The German roadster exudes style sporting BMW's newly unveiled design theme.
In recent days, headlines have been dominated by a close showdown between the new Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the BMW iX3. The iX3, of course, served as the launch vehicle for BMW’s Neue Klasse design language, which will shape the brand’s next-generation models. But the future doesn’t have a place for the BMW Z4. Even with its production extended until mid-next year, the Z4 is ultimately headed for retirement.
That hasn’t stopped independent designers from envisioning a future BMW Z4 sporting the Neue Klasse design language. Italian concept artist Luca Serafini recently shared a series of renders on Instagram, imagining what the roadster could look like. While purely conceptual, the results are striking—the new design language seems to suit the BMW Z4 perfectly.
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Inevitable End for the Slow-Selling Bimmer
Unfortunately, a successor to BMW’s open-top sports car remains unannounced, and the Z4 is slated for retirement due to sluggish sales. While it’s a favorite among enthusiasts—especially for its available manual transmission—the roadster has struggled to find a broad audience.
In fact, the Z4 ranks as the second slowest-selling BMW model in the U.S. in 2024, just ahead of the XM SUV. Sales have seen a boost with the introduction of the manual-transmission Handschalter Package, but the reality is that the BMW Z4 doesn’t present a strong enough business case to justify investment in a next-generation model.
So, what lies ahead for BMW’s Neue Klasse line? As noted, the newly launched iX3 is the first model built on the Neue Klasse platform, which is designed to support electric, hybrid, and traditional combustion powertrains. BMW describes it as delivering “more BMW than ever.”
The Future Without the Z4
The next models to adopt the Neue Klasse architecture include the 3 Series sedan, now already in development testing, and the X5 SUV. Their launches are expected to follow closely together. Between next year and the end of 2027, BMW plans to roll out more than 40 new models—including a new X1, recently spotted in testing for the first time. Clearly, BMW will have a packed schedule of launches in the coming years, though it’s unfortunate that the Z4 won’t be among them.
Although a next-generation BMW Z4 seems unlikely, reports suggest that an i4 coupe and an i4 convertible could debut by the end of the decade. While nothing is confirmed yet, it’s expected that both would adopt the Neue Klasse architecture. The convertible, in particular, would be the closest modern equivalent to an open-top sports car, and if it carries the same fascia seen in recent concept renders, it promises to be a striking design.
