BMW 7 Series Diesel Not Headed to US: Brand Confirms

Reports started hitting the internet this week of a BMW 7 Series diesel heading for the U.S. market, something that got notoriously diesel-enthusiastic auto journalists excited. But those reports are little more than hot air according to a company spokesman.

After reading that the brand planned to bring a diesel version of its flagship stateside, but failing to find corroborating information, we reached out to some of our contacts at BMW North America in an effort to bring you accurate information.

Admittedly a little disappointed at the answer we got, Thomas J. Plucinsky, BMW’s corporate communications manager, cleared the confusion.

“BMW is currently not planning any diesel powered 7 Series model for the US market,” he wrote in an email. “The updated BMW 7 Series models that arrive this fall will be powered by a 3.0-liter TwinPower turbo inline six-cylinder engine (740i), a 3.0-liter TwinPower turbo inline six-cylinder engine with electric motor in the ActiveHybrid 7, updated 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine (750i) and a 6.0-liter TwinPower turbo V-12 engine (760Li).”

While diesel-powered cars are gaining popularity quickly in North America, they still frequently take a second seat to hybrids. American consumers often perceive hybrids as cleaner, despite the reality that clean diesels can be nearly as efficient if not more so. It’s a different story in Europe, where diesels are prized for efficiency, but German automakers have been historically hesitant to bring that technology to the U.S., something we’re seeing again with the refreshed 7 Series headed our way this fall.