BMW Anticipates Selling Diesel SUVs “Far Into The Next Decade”.

Diesel engines are experiencing a spectacular decline in Europe. At the height of their popularity, these engines accounted for just over 50% of new car sales on the continent. But a lot has changed since the mid-2010s, when diesels ruled. The rise of hybrids and electric vehicles has convinced people to ditch diesel in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives. At the same time, stricter emissions regulations are forcing automakers to phase out this once-popular type of engine, according to BMWblog.

Today, diesels account for just 6.5% of new car registrations in Europe from January to June, according to data published by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). Although Europe is traditionally the most important market for diesels, there is a big world outside the Old Continent. Australians have historically favored diesels, especially in larger vehicles driven outside of cities, where the diesel engine remains the undisputed king of efficiency.

As things stand, there is still room for diesel engines to continue to be used. BMW plans to extend its life for many more years. In an interview with GoAuto, the company’s head of product and market planning for Australia said the B57 engine that powers the X5 and X7 isn’t going away. According to Brendan Michel, the 3.0 liter engine is projected to continue to be used in these two large luxury SUVs “well into the next decade”.

The X5 just changed generations, going from the G05 to the G65. The BMW X7 will do the same in 2027, transitioning from the G07 to the G67. Although it wasn’t mentioned during the interview, the next generation X6 (G66), which is reportedly due in 2028, is also expected to feature the latest B57. In Europe, the engine was reworked to meet Euro 7 regulations, resulting in a significant loss of power for the new X5 40d xDrive.

There’s also the smaller B47, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s still available in compact and midsize cars.

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