We have a bit of bad news for diesel fans, since BMW has announced that it will kill all of its diesel powered models at the end of the 2018 model year. Instead of focusing its efforts on diesels, BMW has decided to focus its efforts on plug-in hybrids.
BMW confirmed the news to The Car Connection at the launch of the new X5, “We are putting all our eggs in the PHEV basket,” stated BMW spokesman Alex Schmuck. Instead of offering a diesel-powered X5, those buyers that want a more fuel efficient version of the new X5 will have to wait at least 18 months for the arrival of the new X5 plug-in hybrid, which will arrive as a 2021 model.
Ever since VW’s Dieselgate drama, the demand for diesel engines has been declining, so the news that BMW has thrown in the towel isn’t too surprising. Especially considering the more stringent emissions standards that the diesel engines have to pass following VW’s scandal.
With the diesel engine disappearing from the BMW lineup, BMW will now focus on introducing 25 new electrified vehicles by 2025.
Source: The Car Connection
