BMW Reportedly Working On New Combustion Engines For Its SUVs

Despite investing big in electrification, BMW has no intentions of abandoning the combustion engine. First discovered by BMWBlog, Germany's Handelsblatt reports that the automaker has plans to release new ICE-powered vehicles in 2027.

This is according to a company insider who notes the new range of gas-powered engines will be fitted to the X-series lineup, which comprises vehicles like the US-built X3 and X5. Company CEO Oliver Zipse has previously shared his thoughts on an outright ICE ban, noting that abandoning the technology could hinder the automotive industry's growth.

That's not to say Zipse is against electric vehicles. The Munich-based brand has released several new EVs in the past few years. BMW's strategy, however, is to offer a lineup for all markets, meaning that combustion-engined cars will still be sold where allowed.

While it makes sense from a business perspective, this measured approach hasn't gone down well with environmentalists.

Until BMW makes an official announcement, it's tough guessing which engines will survive. We assume the iconic straight-six and the company's V8 will stay a bit longer, thanks to electrification, but assume they will be canceled long before the three- and four-cylinder engines.

More evidence suggests that BMW's ICE engines are here to stay. Speaking to South Africa's CarMag, local officials have promised the straight-six engine will remain part of the lineup for several more years. We assume this applies to gasoline and diesel variants still prevalent in select markets.

Last year, BMW's Frank Weber said that the automaker is working on a host of traditional engines with significantly reduced emissions. This means they'll comply with increasingly stringent legislation and extend the life of the endangered ICE engine.