America Says The BMW V8 Is Here To Stay

BMW isn’t ready to phase out the V8 just yet, Americans should be proud.

While the company has already retired the V12 and hasn’t offered a V10 in years, BMW development head Frank Weber recently confirmed the automaker would remain committed to eight-cylinder engines because Americans love them.

"V8s are here to stay. We will continue to offer V8s," Weber was quoted by Automotive News, emphasizing that customers in the U.S. and the Middle East still prioritize the sound, smoothness, and character of a V8, even though electrified inline-six powertrains can match their output on paper.

The regulatory environment also plays a role—while emissions standards in the European Union continue to tighten, rules remain more relaxed in other regions. As a result, BMW may eventually continue selling V8 models in the U.S. while phasing them out in Europe.

BMW hasn’t confirmed which future models will keep V8 motivation, but it’s not hard to guess. The next-generation X5 has been seen testing, and reports indicate that the X6 and X7 will also receive updates. At the very least, these three SUVs are likely to keep eight-cylinder options in the U.S. and other select markets.

The current twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 found in the XM and M5 will remain in production for the foreseeable future, particularly where emissions regulations allow.

At the same time, BMW is maintaining its investment in combustion engine and hybrid technology, acknowledging that the shift to electric vehicles in the U.S. will not be a smooth transition. BMW board member Jochen Goller, who oversees customer, brand, and sales strategy, told the Financial Times that the company expects fluctuations in EV demand, particularly in light of policy changes under the new U.S. administration.

"I think it would be naive to believe that the move towards electrification is a one-way road. It will be a rollercoaster ride," Goller said. "This is why we are investing in our combustion engines. We are investing in modern plug-in hybrids. And we will continue rolling out electric cars."

BMW has taken a cautious approach to EV adoption, offering shoppers a diverse lineup that includes combustion, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles—while competitors like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz have struggled with slowing EV demand, BMW’s strategy has positioned it more favorably.

If there's one thing America loves, it's freedom of choice.

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