BMW drops diesel from upcoming 8th-gen 3 Series lineup

BMW has decided to eliminate diesel engines from the upcoming eighth-generation 3 Series, a model it describes as the brand’s "heart." The new range will comprise a conventional gasoline version, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, while the fully electric i3 remains part of the lineup. Executives said the shift mirrors worldwide demand trends, noting that diesel sales are declining in key markets and the move was decided prior to one outlet surge in fuel costs.

Diesel power will still be offered in other vehicles, such as the X5 SUV. The 3 Series will be built in Munich (electric version) and Dingolfing (combustion and plug-in hybrids), with batteries produced at a new plant in Irlbach-Straßkirchen and additional factories in Mexico and China. BMW has invested roughly one billion euros in upgrading these facilities.