BMW says electrification is 'overhyped', diesel engines will last 'another 20 years'

Despite its innovative electric models and tightening regulations, BMW says diesel will still be around for a while.

In general forecasts for global markets, Klaus Fröhlich, BMW board member for development, says that diesel engines will last another 20 years, and petrol engines for at least another 30.

Fröhlich told the trade publication Automotive News Europe that the use of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will accelerate in the next 10 years in the richer coastal regions of leading markets such as the US and China, but the large regional markets of both countries will not allow such vehicles to become "mainstream".

This sentiment, shared by a large part of the Australian public in relation to the need for diesel engines in the regions, was the main topic of discussion in the recent elections.

EV detractors will be happy to know that Fröhlich says "the switch to electrification is overhyped" and that EVs won't necessarily get cheaper as "commodity demand rises."

The brand has acknowledged that its inline-six, four-turbo diesel engine used in its M50d variants will be phased out at the end of its life cycle because it is "too complicated to build" and will also be getting rid of its 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine. . and perhaps its V12 petrol (which is used in Rolls-Royce models), since it's too expensive to keep any engine up to emissions standards.

BMW's turbocharged four-cylinder inline-six diesel engine, which is used in the flagship variants of the M50d, is heading to the cutting board.

While the brand's gradual electrification could mean BMW's diesel and high-performance engines could be sent to the cutting board, the brand has suggested that high-powered hybrids and perhaps even a partially electrified V8 could find their way into its M-badged models for the foreseeable future.

In Australia, BMW's local division tells us that while sales of diesel engines are slowly giving way to petrol options year after year, the brand is committed to engine technology and no diesel phase-out date has been set.

Regardless, BMW continues to forge ahead with 48-volt variants of its most popular mild-hybrid models and made an official announcement before saying it was "excited" at the prospect of selling more of its electric vehicles in Australia - provided there is political will. to do this. easier for consumers to choose.

BMW has high hopes for the iX3, an all-electric version of its popular X3.

The latest showcase for upcoming BMW EV technology is "Lucy"; electric 5th series. It is the most powerful car ever built by BMW, with three 510kW/1150Nm electric motors.

Is battery-electric technology overhyped? Tell us what you think in the comments below.