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Bringing both engines in line with Euro 7 regulations will allow BMW to keep its fire-breathing performance engines alive for longer.
The BMW V8 and inline-six cylinder engines will continue to be offered by BMW as the brand is currently in the process of bringing the internal combustion engines up to the latest Euro 7 standards to keep them compliant.
Speaking to Australian media, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel said internal combustion, and specifically its performance engines, are integral to the Bavarian brand's future plans.
“With Euro 7, we said we don't want to give up the combustion engine, so we're currently bringing our six-cylinder inline engine and the V8 to Euro 7 standards, and that will happen this year,” van Meel said.
BMW has used its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged 'N63' V8 as a solely internal combustion engine or plug-in hybrid for the M5, X5, X6, X7, and M8 for several years, while the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six, known as the 'S58' and 'B58', have been used for the majority of its M and M Sport range since 2019.
Although retaining the V8 engine for Euro 7 has seen the internal combustion engine (ICE) power from the BMW M5 cut from 430kW to 400kW, whether this will be seen across the board to other V8 models is yet to be announced.
BMW could follow suit by also detuning the 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine to keep it compliant, with the current highest output of this series of engine being fitted to the M3 CS and M4 CS at 405kW.
The decision to retain the internal combustion engines falls in line with BMW M’s strategy to give customers a choice between ICE and electric, choosing to sell the upcoming BMW M3 with both propulsion systems.
“As long as there is demand from the markets, which currently there is a lot, we will keep [building petrol cars]. Of course, if there is no demand, because everyone falls in love with the electric one or the other way around, we will see. That's the direction we're going to follow,” van Meel said.
“I think the split strategy is always right because it answers, it gives the answers to the demands of our customers, and you always have to listen to your customers.”
“The good news is we have both directions, so we, we don't, we don't have the need to decide right now. It can just go on like this and have a broad portfolio and the right offer for everyone.”
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
