Electric Cars

BMW is phasing out its i4 electric vehicle, with the 2026 model year marking its final production run. This strategic shift coincides with the introduction of the all-new i3 sedan, an electric interpretation of the renowned 3-series, which is poised to become a cornerstone of BMW's next-generation Neue Klasse electric lineup. The i3 is anticipated to hit the market by the close of the current year.

Launched in 2022 as an electric variant of the 4-series Gran Coupe, the i4 will conclude its tenure after five model years. This discontinuation is largely attributed to the arrival of the i3, which, despite being slightly smaller, offers a compelling package that overlaps significantly with the i4 in terms of dimensions and projected price. For instance, the i3 is marginally shorter, wider, and taller than the i4, and its starting price is expected to be approximately $6,000 less.

The i3 also boasts a significant advantage in powertrain specifications. While the i4's most efficient rear-wheel-drive model offers a range of 318 miles, the launch version of the i3, the 463-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive i3 50 xDrive, promises an impressive 440 miles on a single charge. This enhanced range, combined with a more accessible price point, positions the i3 as a formidable successor.

A notable distinction between the two models lies in their design. The i3 is a conventional sedan, mirroring the gasoline-powered 3-series, whereas the i4 features a hatchback design, allowing the rear glass to lift with the trunk lid for a more expansive opening. While BMW positions the i3 as the direct replacement for the i4, there's speculation about a future model that could inherit the i4's sportier, coupe-like aesthetic, potentially featuring a more sloped roofline and a rear hatch. However, no definitive timeline has been established for such a vehicle. For the immediate future, BMW's focus will be on the i3 sedan.

With the introduction of the i3 sedan, BMW embarks on a new chapter in its electric vehicle strategy, aligning its offerings with evolving market demands and technological advancements. The i3's enhanced range and competitive pricing are expected to solidify BMW's position in the electric luxury segment, while the brand considers future innovations to cater to diverse consumer preferences.

In a fascinating convergence of automotive history and modern efficiency debates, a 1983 Ford Probe IV Concept, a vehicle designed over four decades ago, has emerged for sale, boasting a drag coefficient that outstrips many of today's cutting-edge electric vehicles. This unique prototype, a testament to early aerodynamic innovation, offers a rare glimpse into how car manufacturers once pushed the boundaries of design for optimal airflow. Despite its advanced design for its era, the particular model on offer is not a running vehicle but rather a significant artifact of engineering prowess, making it a distinctive acquisition for collectors and enthusiasts of automotive heritage.

Vintage Concept Car with Modern-Day Aerodynamic Prowess Hits the Market

In mid-March 2026, a remarkable piece of automotive history, the 1983 Ford Probe IV Concept (chassis #001), became available for purchase on Bring a Trailer. This concept car, a collaborative effort between Ford and the Italian design house Ghia, was conceived primarily for wind-tunnel testing, aiming to explore the extreme limits of low-drag vehicle design. With an astonishingly low drag coefficient of 0.152, it remarkably surpasses the aerodynamic efficiency of contemporary electric vehicles like the Lucid Air and Mercedes-Benz EQS, which feature coefficients of 0.197 and 0.20, respectively. The Probe IV Concept also pioneered features such as adjustable ride height. This specific prototype, however, is largely non-functional, lacking essential components such as an engine, transmission, brakes, and a steering system, although its front wheels can be manually adjusted. It exhibits several cosmetic and structural imperfections, including a sagging rear roof and missing mirrors. Previously part of a private collection belonging to the owner of Gullo Ford in Conroe, Texas, it was acquired by the current seller in 2024. Only two such prototypes exist, with the other, a more complete and functional version powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, currently housed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The auction for this historical vehicle is set to conclude on March 22, with bidding at $1,500 at the time of reporting.

This sale of the 1983 Ford Probe IV Concept serves as a compelling reminder that the pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency is not a recent phenomenon driven solely by the rise of electric vehicles. It highlights the visionary engineering efforts from decades past that continue to influence automotive design. While this particular model is not road-ready, its intrinsic value lies in its historical significance, offering a tangible connection to the evolution of car design and a pioneering spirit that sought to optimize performance through innovative forms. It prompts reflection on the trade-offs between pure design theory and practical manufacturing constraints, as modern production vehicles must balance aerodynamic ideals with rigorous safety standards and functional requirements. For collectors, it represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of engineering legacy that continues to resonate with contemporary automotive challenges.