Diesel Engine Showdown: Alpina, Mercedes, and Range Rover Competition
BMW and Audi Shift Away from Diesel as Hybrid and Electric Cars Gain Popularity
In a significant turn of events for the automotive industry, BMW and Audi have been moving away from diesel engines and embracing hybrid and electric propulsion. This shift comes as diesel cars have been losing appeal, particularly since 2015.
The journey for BMW with diesel engines began in the 1980s, when they were introduced in the 3 Series lineup. Diesel engines became a staple for fuel-efficient sedans and coupes through the 2000s. However, in response to tightening emissions regulations and the rise of sustainability trends, BMW has phased out diesel engines and shifted towards electrified drivetrains. This transition is evident in the launch of the "i" sub-brand for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, like the BMW i3 and i8.
In Formula 1, BMW contributed mainly gasoline-powered engines and never used diesel technology. Instead, they focused on high-performance petrol engines, which helped maintain their image for engineering excellence and driving dynamics.
Audi, on the other hand, has a complex history with diesel power. In the past decade, their road-going diesel range spanned from three-pots to V12s. However, now they offer mainly four-cylinder TDIs in medium cars and a V6 for larger models like the A8, Q7, and Q8. The decline in the appeal of diesel since 2015 can be attributed to the rise of hybrid and electric cars, as well as the improvement in efficiency of pure petrol power.
This evolution is demonstrated by a notable incident in the racing world. In May 2000, Jenson Button, a 20-year-old racer, was caught speeding at more than 140mph on a French motorway in a BMW 330d, which belonged to Williams-BMW. The incident was considered notable enough to be a topic of discussion in the papers. Jenson Button was fined £500 for the speeding incident.
While Audi's trophy cabinet was filled with victories from its TDI cars in endurance racing by the end of the 2000s, the appeal of diesel has been on a gradual decline. This decline can be attributed to the rise of hybrid and electric cars, as well as the improvement in efficiency of pure petrol power.
The Volkswagen Group, which owns both BMW and Audi, appears to be following a similar trajectory. The dwindling appeal of diesel has affected Audi significantly, as hybrid and electric cars have been attracting former customers of diesel.
In conclusion, BMW and Audi are shifting from traditional diesel engines towards advanced hybrid and electric vehicles, aligning with contemporary environmental and regulatory demands. This shift away from diesel reflects a broader industry movement towards sustainability and performance standards beyond diesel capabilities.
In the context of the evolving automotive industry, both BMW and Audi are now leaning towards hybrid and electric cars, leaving behind their once-popular diesel engines. This shift follows the decline in popularity of diesel cars since 2015, which corresponds to the surge in appeal of hybrid and electric vehicles.
In the realm of sports, the rise of hybrid and electric cars has also impacted racing, with BMW and Audi transitioning from gasoline-powered engines to electric drivetrains, signaling a forward-thinking approach in the industry.
