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Enthusiasts Can Relax, BMW’s Keeping Some of Its Signature Engines For the Foreseeable Future

The list includes the usual inline-six, V8 and even the V12!

Close-up of a dark blue BMW car rear with V12 and BMW Individual badges near a red tail light.BMW
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By Chris Chin

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It seems BMW is doing a slight about-face on its electrification plans. The automaker reportedly told AutoCar that its future product strategy shifted a bit to include internal combustion-powered cars next to its EVs.

In an interview with Chief Engineer Joachim Post regarding the next-gen 4 Series, the outlet learned that BMW isn’t going all-in on electrification after all. For the past decade, the Bavarian automaker has been charging hard towards its all-electric future.

Just like old times

Light blue BMW M2 coupe drifting on a race track with smoke coming from the rear tires.
Were you afraid of losing BMW’s iconic inline-six to electric power? Don’t worry, it ain’t going anywhere.
BMW

Electrification is one of the pinnacles of the brand’s latest Neue Klasse product plan, which includes a largely EV-heavy lineup. But due to the market expressing its lukewarm desire for EVs, BMW’s had to follow other automakers in backtracking back to good ‘ol gas (or diesel) power, with gas-electric hybrids in the mix.

During the interview, Post shared some details about the upcoming 4 Series. It’s the next car to launch as part of the Neue Klasse rollout, following the iX3.

A dark blue BMW SUV is displayed under a spotlight in an indoor setting with a large scenic backdrop showing misty hills and autumn-colored trees. The car features a prominent kidney grille with illuminated outlines and sleek, modern headlights. The interior appears to have light-colored seats. Several people are visible in the dimly lit background on the left side.
The BMW iX3 debuted last fall, kicking off the automaker’s Neue Klasse vehicles.
Chris Chin

Last September, BMW revealed its first-ever Neue Klasse model, officially commencing the plan’s rollout. Now, next-gen models are on the schedule for debut in the near future.

The 4 Series is the next on the list. According the report, it’ll have the option for gas, hybrid and electric power.

Blue BMW electric sedan charging at an Ionity station with four white charging units.
The BMW i4 recently underwent another refresh as engineers adapt to the strategy change.
BMW

That’s the new, revised plan for BMW’s next-generation of vehicles, as a contingency response to the slowing demand for EVs. In the same breath, Post hinted that BMW’s iconic internal combustions will stay for future models.

But BMW apparently isn’t keeping just one or two engines, around. Rather, the plan supposedly includes the carmaker’s entire range, from its ubiquitous inline-four and inline-sixes, to even its V8 and V12s.

Black BMW engine cover with "M Performance" branding and BMW logo under an open car hood.
Enthusiasts with deep pockets can get excited, the V12 is sticking around BMW’s portfolio.
BMW

It’s likely a result of Europe postponing its 2035 ban on the sale of internal combustion-engine-powered cars. Here in North America, the Trump Administration also rolled out similar regulatory rollbacks for emissions and fuel economy.

Performance is still BMW’s key to success

Two BMW electric sedans, one green and one bronze, parked on an asphalt surface with a field and trees in the background.
The future of the i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe is currently in limbo, with no word of a successor yet.
BMW

The 4 Series will be the next big model to launch as part of the Neue Klasse strategy. At launch, it’ll first debut as the next all-electric i4. The internal combustion models will follow afterwards.

Post said that, like all other BMWs, performance remains the focus. And to really embrace the ethos, which has been a major brand characteristic for decades, the automaker needs to bring that to the table with all forms of propulsion.

Two red BMW cars, a modern M850i Edition M Heritage sedan and a classic 850 CSI coupe with pop-up headlights, on a white background.
Some thought the M850i Gran Coupe was a sign of the end of the V8. Such is not the case.
BMW

“The 4 Series is an important car for us,” Post told AutoCar. “It’s more sporty, and BMW is a sporty brand which has a clear heritage also on the performance side. It will play an important role also for the future.” 

Post also noted the next 4 Series will stick to the usual coupe formula. However, there wasn’t any indication if BMW will stick with offering a hardtop, convertible and a four-door coupe (Gran Coupe) version.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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