A new generation of the company’s gasoline and diesel engines is in the works.
These four, six, and eight-cylinder engines are expected to be produced into the next decade.
The company has not announced a date for the end of the combustion engine, unlike its rivals.
Most automakers are currently in the process of transitioning toward an all-electric future, but BMW believes combustion engines will still have a place for years to come.
The German automaker told CarExpert that it envisions combustion and electric power to coexist in passenger cars for at least the next 10 to 15 years.
Faced with stringent Euro 7 anti-pollution standards that are set to come into effect in Europe over the next few years, the company has chosen to invest in its gasoline and diesel powertrains.
BMW is not aiming to have only one or two combustion powertrains so it can say it’s not a fully electric automaker either, since the company’s next-gen engine family will reportedly include four, six, and eight-cylinder units.
It is reported that these engines will be used mostly in the brand’s SUVs, with the majority of sedans being powered by electrons.
The company will apparently continue with its current strategy, which is to say its most popular models will be offered with both electric and gasoline engines, with relatively few visual differences.
BMW’s reluctance to commit to an end date for combustion power is in opposition to most of its rivals, including Mercedes-Benz and Audi, who will become EV makers only starting in 2030 and 2033 respectively.
Nevertheless, the automaker will most likely have to abandon gasoline and diesel engines during the next decade since large automotive markets around the world such as Europe and California have already put in place legislation that would ban the sale of combustion-powered vehicles from 2035.
While BMW hasn’t confirmed this, it is possible that it is hoping synthetic e-fuels might become a viable alternative to electric vehicles in the coming years, which could provide an unlimited lifespan for its combustion powertrains.
Source: CarExpert
