BMW Stays Committed to V8 Engines for Middle East and US Markets

Saudi Arabia : While many automakers are downsizing their engines, BMW confirms its commitment to V8 engines in response to strong demand from Middle Eastern and American customers.

• BMW will continue producing V8 engines despite industry downsizing.
• Middle East and US customers prefer V8s, rejecting smaller hybrid alternatives.
• Carbon regulations in these regions are more lenient, allowing BMW to maintain its V8 offerings.
• Future BMW models, including X5, X6, and X7, are expected to retain V8 options.

BMW’s Commitment to V8 Power 

As many carmakers move toward downsizing and hybridization, BMW has taken a different approach, reaffirming its commitment to V8 engines in the Middle East and the US. According to Frank Weber, Head of BMW’s Development Department, customers in these regions have shown a strong preference for V8 engines, resisting the shift to smaller hybrid powertrains.

Weber explained in an interview with Automotive News that even if hybrid engines match the power and performance of a V8, they cannot replicate the thrill, sound, and overall driving experience that BMW customers demand.

Why the Middle East and the US Favor V8 Engines

Unlike Europe, where strict carbon emissions regulations are driving the transition to smaller and electrified engines, the Middle East and the US have more flexible emission policies, allowing large combustion engines to remain popular.

• Customers in these markets associate V8s with luxury, status, and driving pleasure.
• The Middle East’s fuel prices are lower, making high-displacement engines more viable.
• V8 engines deliver unmatched performance, particularly in SUVs and high-performance models.

BMW understands that for these regions, engine downsizing is not just about power output but also about preserving the unique characteristics that define high-performance vehicles.

Upcoming BMW V8 Models

While Weber did not reveal specific future V8 models, industry expectations suggest that BMW will continue offering high-performance 4.4-liter V8 engines in key models:

• BMW X5 – One of BMW’s most popular SUVs, expected to retain its V8 variant.
• BMW X6 – A coupe-style SUV that pairs performance with luxury.
• BMW X7 – BMW’s flagship SUV, likely to maintain its V8 option for premium buyers.

Beyond SUVs, BMW’s M Performance division is also expected to keep V8-powered sports sedans and coupes, reinforcing its position in the high-performance segment.

BMW's decision to maintain V8 engines in the Middle East and the US highlights its customer-centric approach. With a strong demand for powerful, thrilling, and luxurious driving experiences, BMW remains dedicated to delivering performance without compromise. As long as regulations allow, BMW's iconic V8 engines will continue roaring on roads in KSA and beyond.