German magazine Focus has learned that Munich has no plans to introduce a BMW 7 Series with a diesel engine in the US. The report says the Bavarians will focus on their gasoline and plug-in hybrids variants, both available for U.S. customers. The information allegedly comes from Bosch, the German supplies in charge of developing some components for diesel powertrains.
BMW is likely responding to the noticeably poorer image of diesel engines in the North American market, accentuated by the recent Volkswagen dieselgate. For years, European carmakers have struggled to establish the diesel engine in the United States as a clean drive, but the recent manipulation of the Wolfsburg-based company might have long-term consequences on the diesel market.
We’ve reach out to BMW of North America who confirmed that report. “Currently there are no plans to bring the 7 Series diesel to the US market,” said Hector Arellano-Belloc, BMW NA spokesperson.
Previous generation F01/F02 7 Series was offered in the US with a single diesel choice – the 740d model was offered with a straight-six diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp.
Currently BMW offers four diesel models in the US – a 328d and X3 xDrive28d with four-cylinder versions, and the six-cylinder powered 535d and X5 xDrive35d.
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The most obvious candidate for a diesel 7 series would have been the BMW 730d powered by the new B57 six-cylinder diesel. The engine delivers 265 horsepower, but could be upped to 320 horsepower for the 740d model.
It remains to be seen if the upcoming G30 5 Series will also skip the diesel model for the North American market.
