BMW Reportedly Planning To Discontinue Its V8 And V12 Engines

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Efficiency norms have time and again proved that large and inefficient engines have no place in a greener tomorrow. This has forced various manufacturers to axe the big ones and opt for less number of cylinders alongside an electric-powertrain. The latest prey to this is the BMW 7-Series.

BMW Blog on Thursday reported that the 2020 7-Series will be the last model to feature the V8 and V12 engines in BMW lineup which will be replaced by electrification. The reworked 4.4-litre V8 engine in the current 750i produces 523hp which is 80hp more than the outgoing model. Whereas, the 6.6-litre V12 engine that powers the 760i produces 600hp.

If the reports prove to be true, BMW could include the same 3.0-litre inline-six engine seen on the 2-Series and 3-Series. The only difference is that the 7-Series will have full electrification as well. In fact, it was reported that the German manufacturer will offer both plug-in as well as mil-hybrid powertrains for the 7-Series with a variation of the same six-cylinder engine.

Combined output for the entry-level, hybrid-powered 7 Series will reportedly be 560hp and 800Nm of torque. The entry-level 740i of the recently unveiled 7-Series comes with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six that is good for 335hp and 749Nm of torque. Sitting above this is the 745e iPerformance plug-in hybrid which features the same inline-six engine paired with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 389hp and 600Nm.

Inside, BMW has substantially improved the cabin with pretty much the same layout. A new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.3-inch infotainment hub are part of the refresh along with additional seats for rear-seat passengers.

BMW has not yet announced the pricing on its new 7-series which we expect to be disclosed closer to launch.