Does BMW have three-cylinder engines?
2 Answers
BMW does have three-cylinder engines, which are built on the Bx8 modular platform with a displacement of 1.5L. This three-cylinder engine has been applied in models such as the BMW i8, 1 Series sedan, and X1. Taking the BMW i8 as an example, it is a hybrid two-door supercar featuring a dynamic front bumper and the classic radiator grille design, inheriting BMW's consistent family concept. The position of the rear wheel arches on the i8's body is very close to the doors, and the fuel tank cap is also placed on the wheel arch. In terms of door design, the production model abandoned the concept car's panoramic gull-wing glass doors, opting instead for ordinary gull-wing doors that are slightly smaller in size compared to the concept car's glass doors.
I remember BMW started introducing three-cylinder engines around 2014 in the Mini series and the BMW 1 Series, such as the BMW 118i and Mini Cooper. As a long-time car enthusiast, I've test-driven these models. Although the three-cylinder engines have slight vibrations at low speeds, they significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, making them very suitable for urban driving. Modern BMWs have addressed these drawbacks through optimized design and turbocharging technology, improving smoothness and delivering strong torque at low RPMs. Nowadays, BMW's entry-level models and compact cars widely use three-cylinder engines, often paired with 48V mild hybrid systems to enhance environmental friendliness. Overall, the three-cylinder layout makes the car lighter and more efficient, with lower maintenance costs, making it ideal for young people who prioritize economy.
