BMW to continue investing in ICE into the next decade

BMW will be introducing new generations of its X5, X6 and X7 models on a flexible platform, which is capable of supporting both ICE and EV powertrains.

While most automakers have announced a deadline for their combustion engines, BMW is said to be an exception. According to reports, the German luxury carmaker has steered clear of any such announcements and instead has gone on to state that it will continue offering IC engine-powered models well into the future.

Reports state that BMW will continue investing in its current crop of internal combustion engines well into the new decade. While BMW is aiming to increase its EV numbers, it wants 50% of its total sales to come from ICE cars in 2030.

The carmaker currently has the B48 4-cylinder, B58 in-line 6-cylinder and the S68 V8. Of these, the S68 V8 was introduced just last year, replacing the N63 V8 unit; while the B58 unit also got an update via a 48V mild hybrid system. However, it's not just petrol engines, the carmaker will be updating & selling its diesel engines as well.

One of the main reasons for BMW's ICE push is the huge popularity and profitability of its combustion engine-powered SUVs in markets like the USA and China. BMW will be introducing new generations of its X5, X6 and X7 models on a flexible platform, which is capable of supporting both ICE and EV powertrains. The engines though will no longer be built in Munich, Germany, which will shift to manufacturing BMW's EV powertrain. The production of BMW's petrol and diesel engines will shift to Austria, the UK & China.

BMW seems confident that its electric vehicles and combustion cars can co-exist for a longer period. The company is also heavily investing in EVs, with a "Neue Klasse" platform for EVs scheduled to debut in 2026.

Source: TheDrive