- The inline-six and V8 will meet future emissions regulations.
- Even Rolls-Royce’s V12 sticks around.
- The next-gen M3 will use a six-cylinder engine.
Stricter emissions regulations are widely regarded as the Achilles’ heel of large-displacement combustion engines. This is particularly challenging in the European Union, where the upcoming Euro 7 standard is causing headaches for automakers. However, BMW has taken precautions to ensure its larger engines will not be outlawed when EU7 comes into effect later this decade.
In an interview with AutocarChief Technology Officer Joachim Post explained that the next-generation engines have been engineered from day one to meet even more demanding requirements. Not only will the inline-six and V8 continue, but the V12 will be exclusive to the Rolls-Royce brand. BMW will stop selling the twelve-cylinder car after the M760i Final Edition in 2022.
“We can meet Euro 7 with some optimization in the exhaust system – with things like catalysts – that’s why we have so much benefit in Euro 7 that there is not so much investment for us.”
The BMW M5’s twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V8 engine
Photo by: Chris Perkins / Motor1
Interestingly, Post told the British publication that the next generation of BMW products will feature a V12. Whether he is strictly referring to Rolls-Royce models or covers the BMW brand as well is unclear. If anything other than the twin-turbo, 6.75-liter mill-powered Goodwood model, it would be a good fit for the newly established BMW Alpina.
The sub-brand is positioned above BMW and targets Mercedes-Maybach, which still offers a V12 under the S-Class S680 banner. However, nothing is official at this point, as the “N74” engine may remain exclusive to Rolls-Royce’s Ghost, Cullen and Phantom models. Be that as it may, it’s reassuring to know that six, eight, and twelve cylinder engines still have a future.
An all-electric M3 was teased earlier this week ahead of a 2027 release, but BMW is also planning a gas-powered counterpart. It is expected to arrive about a year after the hot EV, giving customers both options. The Ice model will use an updated “S58”, a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, likely to feature mild hybrid technology to meet EU regulatory requirements.
On a related note, the Post stated Autocar That M4 might even live to see another generation. The current car has reportedly extended its life cycle to mid-2029, so a replacement won’t arrive until 2030 at the earliest. BMW’s CTO has suggested that another M4 will continue to be built into the regular 4 Series, meaning that there will also be a four-cylinder engine in the mix.
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BMW M3 CS Touring’s twin-turbo, 3.0-liter, inline-six engine
Photo by: BMW
Take Motor 1: BMW is smart enough to know variety is the spice of life, rather than throwing all its eggs in the EV basket. He has long advocated offering multiple powertrains, recognizing that EV adoption varies by region. The launch of a new generation of engines means there will still be ice-powered models for the next decade, and possibly beyond.
The major ICES commitment comes shortly after the European Union imposed a complete sales ban on new cars with combustion engines from 2035. BMW is certainly happy to have implemented the execution of conventional powertrains. However, EVs still have a long way to go before they replace gas cars in consumer preferences. In 2025, approximately 82 percent of all BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles sold globally will still have combustion engines.
The fact of the matter is that it is too early to say goodbye to snow.
