BMW will stop building eight-cylinder diesel engines because  a six cylinder with turbocharging offers better performance and fuel efficiency.

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BMW chief executive Norbert Reithofer told auto motor und sport magazine: “We have decided on a six cylinder diesel with a twin turbo system. This engine has higher performance than a V8 and is more fuel efficient.


Current eight-cylinder offerings will not be taken out of the line-up but new models will not be offered with this option, said Reithofer, adding that a replacement for this engine is unlikely.


According to the report, Mercedes is also dropping V8 engines in favour of sixes, for the same reasons.


It has switched from I6s to V6s in the last decade or so.

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