Every automaker is taking a slightly different path in their quest for fuel economy domination, and for German automaker BMW, diesels seem to make the most sense. We already knew that BMW would bring a diesel 3-series, the 328d, to the New York Auto Show. What we didn’t know is that in addition to an impressive amount of torque, this diesel Bimmer would be good for up to 48 mpg. Wowza.
48 mpg? From a BMW, and a non-hybrid at that? What is this, the Twilight Zone or something? Nope, just BMW finally getting around to offering diesel-powered goodness in America, something they’ve done doing for years in Europe. The new 2.0 liter BMW turbodiesel isn’t short on power either, with a respectable 180 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs of torque on tap as well. That 48 mpg figure is on the highway, by the way; BMW reps are keeping the city rating mum for now. Still, hybrids have been put on notice.
Of course all that really matters is how it performs, and BMW is not known for selling anything less than a quality performance sedan. The BMW 328d should be fun to drive and then some, with reps claiming a 0-60 mph of around 7.2 seconds. While not “fast” per se, it is certainly on par with the competition…and there is always the possibility of a M-version of the diesel Bimmers. BMW is already planning to bring other diesel sedans to market, including a 5-series sedan powered by a turbodiesel V6
Alas, the only available transmission (for now) is an 8-speed automatic, and the diesel engine will carry a $7,000 premium over a base BMW 3-series. But with hybrid-like fuel economy, and plenty of torque to boot, we think this oil-burning Bimmer will find plenty of willing buyers.
Source: Gas2.0
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