Audi and Mercedes-Benz have announced in recent weeks a gradual transition to a purely electric motor. This is not yet the case in BMW.
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Many recent statements by the management of various car companies show that the future of cars in the European market is at least exclusively marked by electric propulsion. In recent weeks and months, several manufacturers have announced a gradual transition exclusively to electric cars, including Bentley, Fiat, Opel and others. It is so refreshing to learn that such a BMW does not plan such a plan. At least for now.
Although BMW does not shy away from the electrification trend, it is thus rapidly expanding its range of mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids or electric cars, but at the same time pursuing a strategy of the widest possible range of drive types. This means in particular that, for example, the next generation of the 5 Series will offer not only petrol and diesel versions or plug-in hybrid derivatives, but also a purely electric i5 derivative. The next series 7 is to offer a similar portfolio. The X5 SUV is again tested with hydrogen propulsion, which could complement the existing offer in the future.
“How prepared will customers accept pure electric cars that will hit the market in the next few years? Will the market be ready for that? And will the infrastructure be adequate? ”Asks BMW Development Manager Frank Weber in a recent interview with Automotive Europe News. He thus indicated that even in Munich the greatest concern of critics of the boom in electric cars is being addressed – will customers and especially the electricity network be prepared for them?
That is why BMW does not yet plan for a gradual transition to pure electric propulsion, as announced by other carmakers, including major rivals, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Specifically in Munich, petrol and diesel engines are also planned for the Euro 7 standard, which is to enter into force sometime around 2025.
The four circles plan that from 2026 they will only represent cars with purely electric drive. Specifically, this would mean that by 2033, Audi would have completely stopped producing internal combustion engines – along with the phasing out of production of models with such a solution. It Mercedes is ready to sell exclusively electric cars by the end of this decade, at least in countries where the market environment allows.
BMW does not have such bold plans for a quick transition to electromobility. By 2030, it plans that electric cars would make up half of the cars produced. Although this is a significant increase compared to today, it is also a smaller share than for direct competitors. However, BMW’s management explains that this makes sense, as it will still allow the manufacturer to adapt to the market or the interest in a particular drive. In the long run, further development is quite unclear and BMW intends to be prepared for various possibilities of developing interest in a particular drive.
However, there are various voices on the steps taken by the management of the Munich carmaker. While some praise the approach and highlight the possibility of adapting to the market, others see it as a backward approach.
But in Munich, they probably know well what they are doing. In recent months, it may seem that BMW has fallen asleep with the development of electric cars (the offer of electric cars is not as rich as that of Audi and Mercedes), but thanks to the still popular i3, they have many years of experience with these cars in Munich. And what more, For 2025, BMW is working on a completely new electric platform named after the once famous Neue Klasse model, which is to be the technological leader. In addition, it has to cover different segments, thanks to its modularity. In short, only BMW does not want to play bait.
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