Amidst the automotive downsizing era with the fate of big engines hanging in the balance, BMW has reportedly decided to keep its V8 engines for the foreseeable future. Why? Because, like us, American and Middle Eastern drivers just can’t get enough of that sweet V8 rumble.
In an interview with Automotive News, BMW AG, Board of Management for Development member, Frank Weber stated succinctly, “V8s are here to stay. We will continue to offer V8s.”
Weber explained that an electrified inline-six engine can’t fully replace a brawny V8 in the eyes of buyers from the United States and the Middle East despite offering the same level of performance and acceleration.
This could just be a statement of fact, but we can’t help but think that he also meant it as a playful dig at Mercedes-Benz, who swapped the brawny V8 in the C63 for a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. While the hybrid powertrain in the Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance boasts 680 hp and 1,020 Nm, it seems that power isn’t everything to AMG car buyers.
Carscoops reports that sales of the C63 in Germany have been disappointing, prompting Mercedes-Benz to revert to the V8 powertrain for the upcoming CLE63, which was originally slated to use the same hybrid powertrain as the C63.
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Another reason BMW can keep those V8s roaring is that emissions regulations in the US and Middle East are a bit more relaxed than in Europe. So, while those Europeans might be stuck with smaller turbocharged engines, those in the US and the Middle East can keep enjoying the sweet sound of a big V8.
While Weber remained tight-lipped about specific future models that will be powered by eight cylinders, rumours suggest that the next-generation BMW X5 will indeed retain a V8 powertrain. The 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 variants, however, will likely be reserved for markets with less stringent emissions regulations – similar to how the BMW 760i is only offered in the USA.
It’s no V12 – which is definitely not coming back for BMW – but we’ll take it.
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