BMW says V8s are here to stay – report
02/12/2025 05:00 PM
BMW has no plans to drop V8 engines from its line-up despite emissions laws and pending regulations in many countries threatening petrol engines.
BMW says its V8-powered models will continue to be offered in showrooms where customer demand remains strong – and where petrol engines are not constrained by regulations.
"V8s are here to stay," BMW Research and Development boss, Frank Weber, told Autonews.
"There are markets such as the US [United States] and Middle East where you cannot replace V8s with inline-six hybrids," Weber said.
The German car maker has previously decided not to set an end date for production of internal combustion engines (ICE) – despite a broadening electric vehicle line-up – building a variety of powertrains as a 'strategic safety net'.
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BMW currently offers V8 power in its latest M5 high performance sedan – launched at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, following a BMW one-two finish in the 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race.
The 2025 BMW M5, sold in both sedan and wagon body styles, is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 teamed with an electric motor and battery pack making a combined 535kW/1000Nm – a more potent version of the same hybrid powertrain used in the BMW XM SUV as well as the X5, X6 and X7 SUVs.
The only model in the BMW Australia range sold with non-hybrid V8 power (codenamed S63) is the outgoing M8 Competition coupe, which is reportedly set to be axed imminently.
The BMW V8 – codenamed S68 – was developed by its 'M Division' high-performance and motorsport arm, which posted record sales in both Australia and globally in 2024.
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"This is not just about performance," Mr Weber told Autonews regarding the decision to keep the V8 in showrooms.
"While they [other powertrains] may be comparable in terms of acceleration, customers value the smoothness, sound, and overall driving experience of a V8 – we will continue to offer them."
Mr Weber's comments suggest the V8 will live on in the next generation 'G65' X5 expected in showrooms in 2027.
Like the current model, the new X5 is set to share the same platform with other next-gen V8 BMWs including its X6 spin-off, larger X7 and XM SUVs, and M5 sedan.
BMW-owned Alpina is also reportedly working on V8 versions of upcoming models, too.
The commitment to V8s follows the boss of BMW 'M Division', Frank van Meel, ruling out a downsized four-cylinder petrol-hybrid set-up for the next BMW M3.
The BMW M3's key competitor, the Mercedes-AMG C63, was introduced in 2008 with a V8 engine – and accompanying loud exhaust note – but is now sold as a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol hybrid.
In late 2024 Mercedes-AMG CEO Michael Schiebe admitted the move away from the V8 two years earlier for the C63 cost the brand some die-hard V8 fans.
After slow sales of the sedan, the C63's upcoming coupe counterpart – the AMG CLE63 – is now set to keep V8 power with mild hybrid technology instead of using the C63's four-cylinder hybrid set-up.
Mercedes-Benz still offers V8 petrol engines – including a hybrid version for the AMG GT 63 sports car range – in the S-Class sedan, flagship SL convertible and GLE, GLS and G-Class SUVs.
The next-generation BMW M3 – due in 2026 – will be offered in two guises, with a six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol version in showrooms alongside the first battery-electric M3.
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