Does Toyota use BMW engines?
Yes. Toyota uses BMW-sourced engines in the Toyota GR Supra, while Toyota’s broader lineup largely relies on its own powertrains. The Toyota–BMW partnership also covers areas such as fuel-cell technology and shared platform development, extending beyond a single engine.
The relationship between Toyota and BMW dates back more than a decade and has produced a production sportscar in the GR Supra as well as joint research into advanced powertrains and propulsion technologies. This article explains where BMW engines appear in Toyota’s lineup and what else the collaboration encompasses.
Engine collaboration and model applications
The clearest example of BMW engine supply in a Toyota-badged car is the GR Supra, which uses BMW-engine units while preserving Toyota’s tuning and chassis DNA.
- GR Supra 2.0: BMW B48 2.0-liter turbo inline-4
- GR Supra 3.0: BMW B58 3.0-liter turbo inline-6
These engines are produced by BMW and installed in the Supra, with Toyota handling the tuning, suspension, and overall chassis integration. This arrangement stands as the most prominent case of Toyota incorporating a non-Toyota engine in a current production model.
Broader collaboration initiatives
Beyond engine sharing, Toyota and BMW have pursued several joint projects aimed at advancing hydrogen, electrification, and platform engineering for performance cars.
- Development of fuel-cell systems and hydrogen infrastructure cooperation
- Joint research on electrified drivetrains, battery tech, and lightweight chassis
- Co-development of sports-car platforms and performance engineering (informing both Toyota’s GR lineup and BMW’s sports cars)
These efforts illustrate a long-term collaboration that seeks to accelerate technology across powertrains, not just share an engine.
Implications for consumers
For most Toyota buyers, vehicles will continue to rely on Toyota-designed powertrains. The GR Supra stands out as a notable exception where a BMW engine powers a Toyota product, reflecting a strategic alliance designed to deliver performance and shared engineering know-how. The partnership’s broader aim is to shape future powertrains and mobility technologies across both brands.
Summary
The concise takeaway is that Toyota does use BMW engines in the GR Supra, making it a rare instance of cross-brand engine sharing in Toyota’s lineup. The collaboration between Toyota and BMW extends beyond engines to fuel-cell technology, electrification, and shared platform development, signaling a broader tech-sharing strategy that could influence future Toyota and BMW models.
