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intends to puts its focus on electrified powertrains in the near future. While this includes pure electric vehicles like the i3BMW i3Germany, 2014 > present, it also means there will be more hybrids in the brand’s future. The decision is mostly due future regulation of auto emissions, especially in Europe.

“The motivation is always sheer driving pleasure, whatever we do,” said Herbert Diess, BMW head of development. “Not everyone wants to take the bus or train. But that philosophy is under environmental pressure. Automotive is one of the most heavily regulated industries. What is coming in the future is not just a reaction to customer requests, but also regulation.”

Diess believes that Europe is five to seven years ahead of the rest of the world in terms of auto emissions regulations, and that means that Europe will get the electrified powertrains first. EU emissions regulations will be the lowest in the world by 2020 at 95g/km of CO2.

The challenge for BMW will be to combine low emissions with a car that is engaging to drive. Diess believes that an average of 99g/km of CO2 is the absolute limit for internal combustion engines for its cars. To do better than that, it will have to rely on electrification.

“Electricification will be a central thread in what we do, be it plug-in hybrid, hybrid or full electrification. The i8 shows what’s possible even below 50g/km, but we will also offer all standard models with entry-level electrification,” said Diess.

Source: Autocar