Winds are blowing at BMW, as the supervisory board appoints a new CEO. Milan Nedeljkovi will replace Oliver Zapp at the helm of the luxury automaker on May 14, 2026. The corporate shakeup is not surprising, given the company’s age limit for board of management members, usually set at 60.
BMW actually bent the rules for Oliver Zapp, who turned 60 last year. When he retires from the Board of Management and attains the age of 62 years. BMW will also make an exception for his successor, considering that Milan Nedeljkovi is already 56 and will be the same age as the outgoing CEO when his contract expires in 2031.
Previously in charge of production, BMW’s new boss arrived amid a massive product blitz. The lineup refresh started recently with the 2026 IX3 and will continue with 40 facelifts and next-generation models arriving in late 2027. Oliver Zappess founded this unique product under the revived New Class banner.
The next year will be especially busy for the famous round holding company. BMW has already confirmed that it will introduce the eighth-generation 3 Series and the i3 electric sedan. In 2026, the fifth-gen X5 will also be offered as a battery-electric vehicle for the first time. A hydrogen fuel cell derivative developed with Toyota is also planned, but won’t arrive before 2028.
Photo by: BMW
Meanwhile, BMW will produce a 7 Series facelift in 2026, when we could also see the return of the X4, this time exclusively as the all-electric IX4. And Mini, Rolls-Royce, and the Motorized Motorcycle division, BMW now has another brand under its corporate umbrella. Following its acquisition of Alpina in early 2022, the company will set a new direction for the niche brand next year. The Alpina 7 series is expected to return, followed by a new X7.
If the reports are correct, BMW’s lineup will add at least three new models before the end of the decade. We’ve covered a possible rugged SUV designed to take on the Mercedes G-Class and Land Rover Defender. It is said to be based on the next-gen X5 and offered with plug-in hybrid and electric drivetrains.
The other two additions will reportedly serve as entry-level EVs: a five-door hatchback likely called the I1, followed by a four-door sedan rumored to be the I2. The EV addition will also include the previously mentioned IX4 and IX5, and possibly the IX6 and IX7 as well. An i3 Touring is also a strong possibility for wagon enthusiasts before 2030.
The Polarizing IX is unlikely to be renewed, given BMW’s plans for several large electric SUVs in the same segment. Even more surprising is that XM is also living on borrowed time due to poor sales, although nothing has been confirmed.
Milan Nedeljkovic has his work cut out for him as he juggles a refreshed portfolio, Europe’s tougher emissions regulations, and growing competition from China.
Since 2019, Oliver Zips has successfully led BMW, with the Munich-based company comfortably beating Mercedes and Audi in the sales race. It also had to push BMW through the challenging years of the coronavirus pandemic, while preparing everything for the new class.
