BMW V8 Sales Hit Record Highs in 2024 Amid EV Push, Proving Demand for Performance Endures

BMW V8 Sales Soar to Record Highs in 2024, Defying Electrification Push with Strong Demand for Power

BMW sold more V8-powered models in 2024 than in any year in its history, a remarkable achievement that underscores the enduring demand for performance and prestige even as the brand aggressively rolls out its electric vehicle (EV) lineup. Development chief Dr. Joachim Post confirmed this dual success, noting “record high sales for eight-cylinder engines” alongside the most premium EV sales. This trend highlights BMW’s “multi-path strategy,” offering both advanced EVs and high-performance combustion models without forcing customer choice. Demand for V8s remains robust in key markets like North America and the Middle East, proving that for many, the “roar of a twin-turbo eight-cylinder” still matters.

Record V8 Sales Amidst EV Acceleration

BMW’s 2024 performance showcases a unique market position, balancing tradition with future-forward innovation.

• Historic High: BMW recorded its highest-ever V8 sales in 2024, a surprising statistic given the industry’s rapid shift towards electrification.
• Dual Success: Dr. Joachim Post confirmed this simultaneous achievement, stating, “last year, we had the most sales of [premium] EVs, and at the same time, record high sales for eight-cylinder engines.”
• Multi-Path Strategy: This reflects BMW’s approach of offering both cutting-edge EVs and refining high-performance combustion engines, giving customers choice and maximizing margins on enthusiast-driven products.

Demand for Power and Prestige Endures

Despite the rise of EVs, strong demand persists for BMW’s V8 models in crucial markets.

• Versatile CLAR Platform: BMW’s V8 lineup, spanning M cars, 7 Series, and X SUVs, benefits from the versatile CLAR platform, which supports internal combustion, hybrid, and electric configurations.
• Key Markets: Demand for V8 models remains “robust” in markets such as North America and the Middle East, indicating that drivers prioritize “performance, sound, and long-distance comfort” over full electrification for now.
• SUV Dominance: The brand’s SUV range, which includes V8 options, continues to lead global sales charts, with attractive incentives like lease deals for models such as the new X5 and X3 maintaining demand.

Hedging the Future: Hybrid V8s and AI-Driven Manufacturing

BMW is not abandoning its V8s but rather integrating them into its long-term electrification strategy.

• V8 Evolution: BMW is “not phasing out” the V8 overnight; instead, it’s being refined and electrified through mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems to meet tightening global emissions rules.
• Neue Klasse and AI Manufacturing: The brand is simultaneously preparing for a future defined by software and sustainability. Its new Debrecen plant in Hungary will produce upcoming “Neue Klasse” EVs, leveraging “AI-driven systems and powered by renewable energy.”
• Balanced Approach: By maintaining both advanced EV development and traditional performance offerings, BMW is “effectively hedging its future,” demonstrating a commitment to flexibility.

Final Thoughts

BMW’s record V8 sales in 2024 present a compelling narrative in today’s evolving automotive landscape. While many brands are rushing to ditch large displacement engines, BMW’s success underscores a crucial point: a significant segment of its customer base is not yet ready to fully embrace an all-electric future. This strategy of nurturing both its combustion heritage and pioneering EV innovation allows BMW to cater to diverse preferences, maintain strong financial performance, and confidently navigate the transition to sustainable mobility, proving that “performance still matters.”

Also Read – Ferrari SC40: One-Off Hybrid V6 Attempts to Live Up to F40’s Analog Purity, Lacks Manual