BS6 Engine Explained – What It Means for Car Buyers in 2025

If you’re planning to buy a new car in 2025, you’ve probably heard about “BS6” engines. But what exactly is BS6, and why
is it so important for car buyers in India?

Don’t worry, we’ll explain everything in simple terms so that even someone with no background in cars can understand
what BS6 engines are and how they affect your decision.

What is BS6?

BS6 stands for Bharat Stage 6, which is a set of rules (emission standards) created by the Indian government to reduce air pollution caused by vehicles. Think of it as a pollution filter for cars.

Before BS6, we had BS4. The government skipped BS5 and directly introduced BS6 in April 2020 to quickly improve the
air quality in India. BS6 is much stricter than BS4, which means vehicles have to be much cleaner.

Why Was BS6 Introduced?

India has been struggling with air pollution, especially in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. One major reason is the smoke and gases that come out of vehicles. These gases contain harmful chemicals like nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) which are
dangerous to health.

To control this, the government introduced BS6 norms so that cars and bikes produce less pollution, making the air we breathe safer and cleaner.

How is BS6 Different from BS4?

Let’s compare BS4 and BS6 in simple words:

Feature BS4 Engine BS6 Engine

Pollution Control Basic filtering Advanced filtering
(more strict)
Emissions Higher NOx, PM,
CO
Lower emissions
(cleaner)
Fuel Regular
diesel/petrol Cleaner BS6 fuel
Engine
Technology Old system Modern with DPF, SCR,
etc.
On-Board
Diagnostics Not mandatory Mandatory for all cars

BS6 Vehicles Need BS6 Fuel

To make BS6 engines work properly, they need BS6- compliant fuel, which has lower sulphur content. This fuel is
now available at petrol pumps across India.

Using the wrong fuel (BS4 fuel in BS6 car) can damage the engine and reduce performance. So always make sure you’re
getting BS6 fuel.

Benefits of BS6 Engines for Buyers

Here’s how BS6 vehicles are good for you:

1. Better for Environment

BS6 cars emit much less harmful smoke, which helps reduce pollution in your city.

2. Improved Fuel Efficiency

BS6 cars are built with better technology that helps give you more mileage and smoother performance.

3. Longer Engine Life

Since BS6 engines are designed to run cleanly, they are usually more refined and last longer.

4. Latest Technology

Many BS6 cars come with advanced tech like on-board diagnostics, real-time pollution monitoring, and more.

Any Downsides?

Yes, there are a few things to keep in mind:

 Higher Cost

BS6 cars are a bit more expensive than BS4 models because of the improved engine parts and technology.

 Maintenance

Some BS6 engines (especially diesel ones) may need regular check-ups of their filters to avoid clogging.

 Fuel Compatibility

If you travel to remote areas where BS6 fuel isn’t available, it might affect engine health in the long run (though now most pumps supply BS6 fuel).

Should You Buy a BS6 Car in 2025?

Absolutely, yes. In 2025, all new cars in India are BS6, so you don’t have much choice. But more importantly, BS6 vehicles
are:

 Cleaner
 More efficient
 Environment-friendly
 Built for the future

Also, resale value will be higher because older BS4 vehicles are slowly being phased out and even restricted in some cities

Conclusion

The BS6 engine is a big step forward for India’s fight against pollution. As a car buyer in 2025, choosing a BS6 vehicle
means you’re investing in a cleaner, smarter, and more future-ready car.

 

Even though BS6 cars might cost a little more, the benefits in the long run – cleaner air, better mileage, and new tech – are
totally worth it.