BMW V8 and Inline Six Engines to Continue Under Euro 7

Daily Car

·

20/03/2026

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BMW has officially stated that its well-known V8 and inline-six-cylinder engines will not be discontinued. The company is updating these powerplants to comply with the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, ensuring their availability for the near future. This move confirms the brand's commitment to combustion-powered performance cars, even as the industry shifts toward electrification.

Meeting Stricter Standards

The upcoming Euro 7 rules are a new set of environmental standards in Europe designed to further reduce vehicle pollution. To meet these tougher requirements, BMW is re-engineering its core performance engines. This includes the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 found in models like the M5 and X5 M, and the popular 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six used in the M3 and M4 series. According to BMW M division head Frank van Meel, these updates are already in progress and will be implemented this year.

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A New Approach to Power

Keeping these engines compliant may involve a change in how they produce power. The new regulations could lead to a reduction in horsepower from the gasoline engine alone. A clear example is the latest BMW M5. Its V8 engine's output was reduced as part of its transition to a plug-in hybrid system. However, an electric motor works with the V8 to ensure the car's total combined power remains high while meeting emissions targets. This same approach of combining gas and electric power could be used for the inline-six engine in the future.

A Strategy Driven by Demand

BMW's decision is based on a strategy to provide what customers want. The company has stated it will continue to build gasoline-powered cars as long as people are buying them. Instead of forcing a switch to all-electric vehicles, BMW plans to offer both electric and gasoline versions of its popular models, such as the next M3. This "split strategy" allows the brand to cater to different market demands and gives buyers the power to choose. This approach demonstrates that while the industry is changing, BMW is finding ways to preserve its performance heritage by adapting its technology.

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