BMW I6 and V8 M models will endure the emissions regulations without any decrease in performance.

      Fabian Kirchbauer/BMW

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      Although it might seem distant, Europe’s strict Euro 7 emissions regulations pose a threat to enthusiast vehicles in the U.S. as well, independent of American regulations. If BMW can certify its engines for sale in its home country, it is much more likely to continue offering them worldwide. Fortunately, that is precisely what the M brand has accomplished, as noted by CEO Frank van Meel.

      The head of BMW’s performance division informed Autocar that the company’s engineers have made “very interesting” adjustments to ensure that its signature straight-six and V8 engines will comply with the new regulations. These engines will need to do so for quite some time, as Euro 7 requires new engines to remain compliant for 10 years or 124,000 miles. Although Van Meel did not specify these changes in detail, he did provide insight into the difficulties that BMW and others are encountering: it all revolves around cooling.

      “Typically, in high-performance conditions, you cool using the fuel,” Van Meel explained. “With EU7, that’s not feasible, so alternative methods must be found to prevent temperature accumulation. The combustion process has to be enhanced concerning heat buildup and cooling, which are the challenges. Naturally, you could [reduce] performance to prevent this temperature rise, but that’s not the goal—that’s where we began.”

      2026 BMW M5 Touring. Andrew P. Collins

      In Van Meel’s view, these engines are essential to BMW’s high-performance internal combustion lineup. “The six-cylinder inline engine is our legacy, and the V8 has a long history in racing, so we plan to continue,” he stated. In other words, don’t expect BMW to eliminate cylinders to comply with regulations, unlike its local competitor. “I can’t imagine putting a four-cylinder in an M5,” Van Meel remarked.

      Naturally, electrification has undoubtedly assisted the manufacturer in bridging some of the gap, as evidenced by the new 5,500-pound M5. However, it is reassuring to know that as BMW launches its first fully electric M car with the “Heart of Joy” ECU, traditional performance will remain intact.

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