A multi-cylinder engine includes an EGR mechanism for introducing exhaust gas into intake air, and is capable of a partial cylinder operation in which combustion in a part of the cylinders is halted. The multi-cylinder engine includes an EGR rate control unit for setting an introduction rate at which the exhaust gas is introduced into the intake air to be lower in a first partial cylinder operating state in which the ignition intervals are unequal, than in a second partial cylinder operating state, in which ignition intervals among a plurality of operating cylinders are equal.