In contrast to Stellantis, BMW contends that V8 engines are essential for the American market. | Carscoops

In contrast to Stellantis, BMW contends that V8 engines are essential for the American market. | Carscoops

      BMW aims to maintain its internal combustion engines, including straight six and V8 variants, as it prepares for a challenging transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

      The company believes that EV sales in the U.S. might face a slowdown, but they are equipped with internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid alternatives. BMW has no intentions of discontinuing their V8 engines, since customers appreciate their "smoothness, sound, and feeling."

      At the same time, BMW continues to be dedicated to EVs and has experienced positive growth with its ongoing strategy. The company is preparing for a tumultuous few years regarding electrification, distinguishing itself by sustaining the internal combustion engine for the foreseeable future. This diversified strategy is particularly crucial as the industry seeks to effectively navigate a new landscape, especially in the U.S., where Donald Trump, known for his views on electric vehicles, has resumed the presidency.

      According to BMW board member Jochen Goller in an interview with the Financial Times, while there may be a slowdown in U.S. EV sales, the company remains hopeful about the demand for gas-powered and plug-in hybrid vehicles. With 65 percent of BMWs sold in the U.S. being produced domestically, the company is less vulnerable to tariff risks.

      V8 engines will continue to be available for customers in the U.S. and the Middle East. Frank Weber, another board member, noted in a conversation with Automotive News that in markets like the U.S. and the Middle East, replacing V8s with inline-six hybrids is not feasible. He emphasized that while performance metrics may be similar, customers favor the unique characteristics of a V8, and BMW will persist in offering these engines.

      In Europe, the situation might be different due to stringent emissions regulations. However, Weber indicated that some European markets will still have access to diesel options for the foreseeable future, as the manufacturer works to enhance the cleanliness of these engines.

      On the electric vehicle front, BMW learned from past experiences, such as with the i3, that it’s not effective to drastically differentiate their EVs from other models. Hence, their latest EV offerings are designed to closely resemble their ICE counterparts.

      Last year, sales of BMW's EVs increased by 13.5 percent, making up 17 percent of total sales. Goller shared, "We expected that consumers wouldn't want to feel marginalized based on the powertrain." As a result, BMW has chosen a path that others are now beginning to follow.

      This trend will likely continue as BMW introduces its Neue Klasse platform, featuring software-intensive EVs alongside combustion and hybrid models, with each variant maintaining a consistent character while utilizing different powertrains.

In contrast to Stellantis, BMW contends that V8 engines are essential for the American market. | Carscoops In contrast to Stellantis, BMW contends that V8 engines are essential for the American market. | Carscoops In contrast to Stellantis, BMW contends that V8 engines are essential for the American market. | Carscoops

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In contrast to Stellantis, BMW contends that V8 engines are essential for the American market. | Carscoops

BMW intends to maintain its internal combustion engines, such as straight sixes and V8s, as it foresees a challenging shift towards electric vehicles.