The Enduring Heartbeat: Why BMW’s Big Engines Are Here to Stay
For a decade now, I’ve witnessed firsthand the relentless march of automotive technology. The whispers of electrification have grown to a roar, and the industry is undeniably shifting. Yet, amidst this seismic transformation, a counter-narrative, one that often gets drowned out by the electric hum, is emerging from the heart of Munich. BMW, a marque synonymous with driving pleasure and engineering prowess, is signaling a resounding affirmation for its iconic larger displacement internal combustion engines. Contrary to widespread speculation, the venerable inline-six, the potent V8, and yes, even the majestic V12, are not just surviving – they are being strategically engineered to thrive, even in the face of increasingly stringent global emissions standards.
The prevailing wisdom, particularly within the European Union, painted a bleak picture for engines exceeding a certain displacement. The impending Euro 7 emissions standard, a regulatory hurdle designed to push the automotive world firmly into the electric era, has been viewed by many as the final nail in the coffin for large, naturally aspirated or even turbocharged combustion powerplants. Automakers have grappled with the immense development costs and technical challenges of bringing these engines into compliance. However, BMW’s approach, as articulated by its Chief Technology Officer Joachim Post, reveals a proactive, rather than reactive, strategy.
“We can fulfill Euro 7 with some optimization in the exhaust system – with things like the catalysts – so that’s why we have a big advantage in that Euro 7 is not that high an investment for us,” Post explained in a candid discussion with Autocar. This statement is not merely a technical detail; it’s a declaration of intent. It underscores a decade of foresight and strategic investment in powertrain development, ensuring that BMW’s flagship engines are not simply being adapted, but fundamentally designed to meet and exceed future regulatory demands. This commitment to BMW engine longevity is a testament to their engineering philosophy.
The implications are profound. For enthusiasts and discerning buyers who appreciate the torque, the aural symphony, and the sheer capability that larger engines offer, this news is incredibly welcome. The BMW inline-six, a legendary powerplant celebrated for its smoothness and balance, will continue its tenure. Likewise, the robust and performance-oriented BMW V8 engines are set to remain a cornerstone of the lineup. But perhaps the most significant revelation is the continued life of the V12 engine, a powertrain traditionally reserved for the pinnacle of automotive luxury.
Historically, BMW itself ceased production of a twelve-cylinder passenger car with the M760i Final Edition in 2022. This move was widely interpreted as the final curtain call for the V12 within the core BMW brand. However, Post’s assurance extends the V12’s lifespan beyond the BMW marque, specifically within the opulent realm of Rolls-Royce. This ensures that the Rolls-Royce V12, a symbol of ultimate refinement and effortless power, will continue to grace the models produced in Goodwood. This news is particularly relevant for buyers seeking ultra-luxury vehicles with V12 engines.
The crucial question that arises is whether the next generation of BMW products will feature this magnificent twelve-cylinder mill. While Post’s comments were directed towards Autocar, the precise scope of his statement remains a point of keen interest. If the twin-turbo, 6.75-liter powerhouse finds its way into models beyond those bearing the Rolls-Royce name, it could represent a significant strategic move. One particularly intriguing possibility lies with the newly established BMW Alpina. Positioned as a sub-brand offering enhanced performance and luxury above the standard BMW offerings, Alpina is an ideal candidate to compete directly with established rivals like Mercedes-Maybach, which currently offers a V12 in its S-Class S680. The prospect of an Alpina V12 would undoubtedly send ripples through the performance and luxury automotive segments.
While nothing is officially confirmed regarding a BMW-branded V12 in the near future, the certainty that the “N74” engine will continue its reign within the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Cullinan, and Phantom lineups is a significant reassurance. The continued development and availability of these high-performance engines underscore a commitment to offering diverse powertrain options, a strategy that I, as an industry observer for the past decade, have always believed to be crucial for long-term market success. The notion that six-, eight-, and twelve-cylinder engines still have a viable future is a powerful statement in an era increasingly dominated by electrification discussions.
This commitment to internal combustion engines doesn’t signify a rejection of electrification. On the contrary, BMW is clearly pursuing a multi-pronged approach. The earlier tease of an all-electric M3, slated for a 2027 release, exemplifies their dedication to performance EVs. However, what is equally noteworthy is the simultaneous plan for a gasoline-fueled M3 counterpart. Expected to arrive roughly a year after its electric sibling, this ICE M3 will offer consumers a choice, a freedom that many automakers seem eager to curtail. This dual-powertrain strategy for performance models, such as the BMW M3 hybrid options and ICE variants, is a smart move.
The gasoline M3 is anticipated to utilize an updated version of the “S58” engine – the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. This engine will likely incorporate mild-hybrid technology to help meet evolving EU regulatory requirements. This integration of mild-hybrid systems is a critical step in bridging the gap between traditional ICE technology and increasingly stringent emissions targets, and represents a significant area of investment for automotive powertrain innovation.
Adding further fuel to the fire of engine enthusiasts’ hopes, Post also suggested that the M4 may well see another generation. The current M4’s lifecycle has reportedly been extended until mid-2029, with a successor not expected until at least 2030. This implies a continued development path for this iconic performance coupe. BMW’s CTO indicated that a future M4 would likely continue to be built upon the standard 4 Series platform, which also means that four-cylinder BMW engines will continue to be part of the broader product offering, catering to a wider spectrum of customer needs and preferences. This diverse engine strategy is key to maintaining BMW sales volume globally.
From my perspective, BMW’s unwavering commitment to a broad range of powertrains is not just a nostalgic nod to the past; it’s a remarkably astute business decision. Throwing all their resources into a purely electric future without considering market realities would be a strategic misstep. For years, I’ve observed that EV adoption rates vary significantly across different global regions. Consumer preferences, charging infrastructure availability, and governmental incentives all play a crucial role. BMW’s long-held advocacy for offering multiple powertrain options acknowledges this nuanced global landscape.
The decision to invest in and launch a new generation of engines means that ICE-powered models will remain readily available throughout the next decade, and quite possibly beyond. This is particularly relevant given the recent U-turn by the EU regarding the outright sales ban on new cars with combustion engines from 2035. While the initial announcement sent shockwaves through the industry, this reassessment provides a crucial lifeline for traditional powertrains. BMW, it seems, was already strategically positioned to benefit from such a development, having anticipated the need for sustainable ICE technology.
The reality is, for a significant portion of the global automotive market, the transition away from gasoline and diesel power is not a seamless one. Despite the accelerating development of electric vehicles, customer preferences are still heavily weighted towards the familiar and proven characteristics of combustion engines. In 2025, a substantial majority – approximately 82 percent – of all BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce vehicles sold worldwide still featured combustion engines. This statistic alone speaks volumes about the market’s current appetite.
Therefore, declaring the end of the internal combustion engine at this juncture would be premature and, frankly, detrimental to meeting the diverse needs of consumers. The future of BMW engines is clearly one of co-existence, where electrification and advanced ICE technology will both play vital roles. This dual approach ensures that BMW can continue to deliver the “Ultimate Driving Machine” experience to a wider audience, in more markets, and for years to come. The continued availability of V8 performance cars and other large displacement engines in regions where they are still highly sought after is a testament to this global strategy.
For those who cherish the engineering marvels of multi-cylinder engines, the message from BMW is clear: your passion is understood, and your desire for exceptional performance and driving dynamics is being actively catered to. The era of the big, powerful engine is far from over.
If you’re intrigued by the enduring appeal of powerful engines and advanced automotive engineering, and want to explore the latest models that embody this philosophy, we invite you to visit your local BMW dealership today. Experience firsthand the refined power and sophisticated technology that BMW continues to pioneer, and discover the perfect vehicle to ignite your driving passion.
