While some automakers have already commenced massive downsizing projects, BMW remains committed to its lucrative affair with the six-cylinder motor.
In the recent launch of the 3 Series LCI, BMW South Africa confirmed that the six-cylinder configuration that has served the brand for generations will continue to remain as an offering for the next several years. Reaffirming what Frank van Meel stated at the launch of the driver-oriented M2, this will presumably be until the next generation of models is ushered into the lineup, spearheaded by the electric i range.
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In anticipation of this, the Munich marque has already slowly offloaded the engine configuration from certain lineups in their portfolio. Regardless, it does still exist in both petrol and diesel derivatives for the majority of their fleet.
The engine configuration is universally loved for its near-perfect balance, impressive power capabilities and fairly compact packaging. Some of the most sought-after motors are straight-sixes, including several from the Munich-based automaker including the B58 found in the M340i LCI tested on launch.
Many European manufacturers are already taking the decision to embrace downsizing and place a greater emphasis on electrification. Mercedes-Benz is an automaker at the forefront of this and most notably made headlines after releasing the all-new C63 with a highly electrified powertrain. It has halved the number of cylinders but simultaneously received a massive jump in power and instant torque courtesy of state-of-the-art electrification.
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While that signals the beginning of the end for Mercedes-Benz iconic V8, BMW remains committed to their six-cylinder motor which has served for generations and will seemingly continue to do so until the very end. With more power and torque than ever before, strict emissions and noise regulations have unfortunately yielded a demure-sounding motor that isn’t as reminiscent of the visceral growl synonymous with yesteryear.
All of this begs the question, as European emissions mandates towards the end of the decade near, will BMW opt to retain six-cylinder power and pair it with electrification before the inevitable all-EV future arrives?
