The downsizing of internal combustion engines has become a major trend in the automotive industry. As emissions regulations tighten, many automakers are moving toward smaller, more efficient powertrains.
BMW’s V12 engine disappeared from its lineup when the M760i was discontinued in 2022. Today, the only place you’ll find a BMW-built 12-cylinder engine is in a Rolls-Royce. Meanwhile, the V10 has been gone for over 15 years, leading many to wonder: is the V8 next?
Fortunately for enthusiasts, the V8 isn’t going anywhere—at least not in certain markets. The demand for eight-cylinder engines remains strong in the Middle East and the U.S., where performance and power are still key selling points.
In an interview with Automotive News, BMW’s head of development reassured fans, saying, “The eight-cylinder is here to stay, and we’ll keep the V8.” He explained that, for buyers in the U.S. and Middle East, there’s still a significant gap between electrified inline-six engines and a full-fledged V8.
While hybridized six-cylinder engines can match the performance of a V8, they lack the unmistakable smoothness, sound, and feel that customers love. BMW understands that, for many buyers, the emotional connection to a V8 engine is just as important as the numbers on a spec sheet.
Another factor keeping the V8 alive is emissions regulations—or rather, the lack of strict ones in the U.S. and Middle East. Europe, on the other hand, continues to tighten its emissions laws, making it increasingly difficult for automakers to justify larger engines. In fact, unless you opt for a bulletproof version of the 7 Series, you can no longer buy a 12-cylinder BMW in the EU. If trends continue, the V8 may soon become exclusive to just a handful of markets.
BMW hasn’t officially confirmed which future models will keep the V8, but we can make some educated guesses. Prototypes of the next-generation X5 have already been spotted in testing, and reports suggest BMW will also update the X6 and X7. It’s likely that at least these three luxury SUVs will continue to offer the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 for customers in the U.S. and Middle East.
Meanwhile, BMW’s European lineup looks quite different. The brand offers three-cylinder engines in models like the MINI and some entry-level BMWs, such as the 1 Series and X1. In China, where emissions regulations are also tightening, the same 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder is becoming more common. However, in the U.S., BMW has drawn a clear line—no models will be offered with fewer than four cylinders.
Electrification is also playing a growing role in BMW’s strategy. In 2023, the brand’s electric vehicle sales grew by 13.5%, accounting for 17% of total sales. BMW seems to have learned a lesson from the i3: dramatically different designs don’t always appeal to buyers. Instead, its latest EVs resemble their combustion-engine counterparts, a move that has led many to describe them as “fuel-to-electric” conversions.
This trend will continue with the launch of BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, which will introduce a new generation of software-driven electric vehicles. However, BMW remains committed to offering multiple powertrain options, ensuring that—whether electric, hybrid, or gasoline-powered—its vehicles maintain the signature driving experience that defines the brand.
