INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

An internal combustion engine having an engine control configured to operate in first and second operating modes. The first operating mode is configured to leave as many ignition devices deactivated per cycle in dependence on the currently present power demand. The second operating mode is configured to reduce a risk of deflagration due to unburned gas-air mixture present in an exhaust stroke. After a first number (N) of cycles, for a second number (N) of cycles, the second operating mode has more piston-cylinder units produce power per cycle than required for the currently present power demand. After the second number (N) of cycles, for a third number (N) of cycles, in dependence on a currently present power demand per cycle, the second operating mode has so many piston-cylinder units produce power that this results in a torque of the crankshaft adapted to the currently present power demand.