Tag Archives: BMW

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BMW Bets on Both EVs and ICEs

In a world where automakers are racing toward an all-electric future—often only to slam the brakes when reality catches up—BMW is charting a different course. While rivals made bold proclamations about phasing out internal combustion engines, only to later scale back or delay their plans, BMW never pledged to quit gas or diesel. And that might be its smartest move yet.

BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has consistently voiced a pragmatic stance: the transition to electric should be driven by market readiness, not regulation. With electric vehicle (EV) prices still out of reach for many consumers and charging infrastructure lagging in several regions, BMW argues that customer choice should remain paramount.

That philosophy was echoed again in a recent Automobilwoche interview with Klaus von Moltke, plant manager at BMW’s Steyr engine factory in Austria—home to 1.2 million ICE units last year. “The combustion engine is our foundation and will also finance our future business,” von Moltke stated, reaffirming that BMW is far from done with traditional powertrains.

Future-Proofing the Internal Combustion Engine

Rather than winding down ICE development, BMW is doubling down. Engineers are actively updating their three- to eight-cylinder engines to comply with the stringent upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations. This isn’t just about petrol either—diesel still has a place in the BMW lineup, albeit in a more sustainable form.

Enter HVO100: a renewable diesel fuel derived from hydrotreated vegetable oil. BMW is already using it to fill diesel models at German plants before export. With claims of up to 90% CO₂ reduction compared to standard diesel, plus better cold-start performance and resistance to microbial contamination, HVO100 could extend the relevance of diesel technology in an eco-conscious market.

One Foot in the Future

Despite its ICE commitments, BMW isn’t ignoring the electric revolution. The Steyr plant is now also assembling electric motors for the upcoming Neue Klasse lineup—a new generation of EVs spearheaded by the next iX3, set to debut this September at IAA Mobility in Munich. Series production of the EV will ramp up later this year at BMW’s cutting-edge factory in Debrecen, Hungary.

BMW aims for a 50/50 sales split between ICE and EV models by 2030. That may sound ambitious—especially considering that EVs accounted for just 17.4% of BMW Group deliveries (including Mini and Rolls-Royce) in 2024—but early 2025 numbers show that EVs have already climbed to 19% of sales, suggesting a steady, achievable trajectory.

Playing the Long Game

What about the EU’s proposed ban on new ICE vehicle sales by 2035? Von Moltke was diplomatic: “It’s not our job to make such assumptions; that’s pointless. Our job is to consider all possible scenarios, prepare for each one, and ensure our delivery capability.”

In other words, BMW isn’t gambling on one drivetrain. It’s hedging its bets—investing in combustion, hybrid, and electric technologies alike.

Take the performance division, for instance. BMW has confirmed a new gasoline-powered M3 with an inline-six engine is in development, likely with mild electrification. And the upcoming M5? It’s sticking with a V8, now enhanced with plug-in hybrid tech to meet emissions regulations without sacrificing power.

The Art of Automotive Agility

While others zig and zag through the volatile EV transition, BMW is playing the long game. By maintaining a flexible strategy that doesn’t alienate current ICE customers or ignore electric innovation, the Bavarian automaker might just be best positioned for whatever the road ahead holds.

In the race to the future, BMW isn’t rushing to the finish line—it’s building a lane of its own.

Source: Automobilwoche

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BMW Unveils Canada-Exclusive 540i xDrive Legacy Edition with Straight-Six Power

BMW has revealed a new limited-run version of its 5-Series executive sedan, but don’t mistake it for a high-performance M car. Instead, it’s the 540i xDrive Legacy Edition, a Canada-exclusive model designed to celebrate the brand’s heritage while offering a unique twist on the current G60 generation.

With production capped at just 151 units, the Legacy Edition is a rare opportunity for Canadian enthusiasts to get behind the wheel of a non-hybrid, six-cylinder 5-Series — something that’s been missing from the local lineup until now. Unlike the plug-in hybrid 550e, which previously stood as the sole six-cylinder option, this special 540i brings back the visceral experience of BMW’s renowned 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, producing 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Aiding the powertrain is a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive. The result is a 0–100 km/h sprint time of just 4.7 seconds — a compelling figure for a luxury midsize sedan.

True to its name, the Legacy Edition pays homage to BMW’s history — particularly the E34 540i, the first to wear the iconic badge and offer a V8 paired with a manual transmission. The homage is clear in the paintwork of the launch model, finished in Maldives Black II Metallic, a nostalgic color that channels the spirit of early ‘90s BMW design. Buyers can also select from a wide palette of BMW Individual Manufaktur colors at no extra cost, including Oxford Green Metallic, Cinnabar Red, Grigio Telesto Pearl Effect, and more — ensuring each Legacy Edition can be as distinctive as its owner.

In addition to its mechanical and visual upgrades, the 540i xDrive Legacy Edition comes generously equipped. Standard features include 21-inch Individual alloy wheels, the M Sport Pro Package, and a choice between red or blue M Sport brake calipers. Inside, drivers are treated to a Bowers & Wilkins 18-speaker premium surround sound system and ventilated front seats, underlining the model’s dual focus on performance and comfort.

While BMW Canada hasn’t officially revealed pricing, expectations suggest a starting figure north of CA$100,000 (~$72,600 USD). With order books now open and deliveries slated for Q4 2025, prospective buyers will need to act fast — these 151 examples won’t stay on showroom floors for long.

Source: BMW

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BMW Unveils Canada-Exclusive 540i xDrive Legacy Edition with Straight-Six Power
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BMW Charges Ahead with High-Performance iX5 M70 Electric SUV

BMW’s transition to electric power is no longer a question of if, but how fast. Leading the charge is the i4 M50, the M division’s best-selling model, now succeeded by the upgraded i4 M60. But that’s just the beginning. BMW’s performance electric lineup is rapidly expanding—next up is the much-anticipated iX5 M70, a musclebound electric SUV that hints at the future of M.

Recent spy shots of the upcoming iX5 reveal a clear performance focus: massive drilled brake discs, towering 23-inch five-spoke forged wheels wrapped in Michelin high-performance rubber rated for speeds over 150 mph (240 km/h), and a muscular stance. All signs point to this being the M70 variant of the iX5—BMW’s first fully electric X5.

If BMW follows its current powertrain strategy, the iX5 M70 will likely share its dual-motor setup with the i7 M70, which cranks out 650 horsepower (659 PS / 485 kW) and launches the luxury sedan from 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in just 3.7 seconds. The performance credentials are all but guaranteed, but questions remain around range. BMW will be under pressure to improve upon the i7 M70’s EPA-rated 268–285 miles (431–459 km), especially with the SUV’s larger size and probable weight penalty.

Under the skin, the iX5 will continue to use BMW’s updated CLAR platform, the same one used by both combustion and electric variants of the X5. That sets it apart from the smaller X3 lineup, where the iX3 shifts to the brand’s next-generation Neue Klasse platform. While the iX5 doesn’t yet benefit from this EV-focused architecture, it will still embody BMW’s design evolution, borrowing styling cues from the Neue Klasse Vision X concept—especially its futuristic, visor-like front end.

Though still heavily camouflaged and clearly in the early stages of development, the iX5 M70 is expected to debut next year. When it does, it’ll enter an increasingly crowded battlefield of luxury electric SUVs. Rivals include the all-new electric Porsche Cayenne and the Lotus Eletre, both aiming to blend performance with zero-emissions appeal.

However, amid slowing global EV adoption and rising tariffs, BMW is hedging its bets. The iX5 will launch alongside internal combustion engine (ICE) versions, and even competitors like Lotus are developing hybrid alternatives in response to shifting consumer demand.

Still, the direction is clear: for BMW M, the road ahead is electric—and fast.

Source: BMW