BMW 3-Series Diesel
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FUEL ECONOMY:
23 / 33 MPG 10.23 / 7.13 L/100km
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BODY TYPE:
Sedan
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TECHNOLOGY:
Diesel
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BASE MSRP:
$32,400
The BMW 3-series is the ultimate driving machine for so many reasons. Its handling dynamics are unparalleled to any other sports sedan on the market. Its shape and styling are world famous and recognizable from virtually any distance and angle. And its interior boasts a level of luxury and refinement that is considered a benchmark in its class. Now, coming in the Fall of 2008, there’s another reason to be excited about the 3-series: clean diesel technology.
The 3-series will come to the U.S. offering a diesel engine, specifically a 3.0-liter biturbo inline-six powerplant, something the Europeans have enjoyed for quite some time now. As Toyota’s hybrid marketing machine continues to march on, BMW will try to corner a piece of the diesel market, promoting it as another viable and effective way to go green. "We realized that with the additional weight of a hybrid battery, the miles per gallon is not as good as we thought. We think the better solution at the moment is diesel," says BMW Chief Executive Norbert Reithofer. And though U.S. perception of diesel has always been on the low-side, it will be hard for Americans to ignore a 3-series that offers better fuel efficiency (an estimated 30% improvement which calculates to 23 city/33 highway), and a significant upshot of torque, a natural characteristic of diesel. This means fans of the 3-series will enjoy more thrust off the line, greater overall acceleration, and passing power they did not have in the past. The fact is, a V-6 diesel can deliver as much torque as a larger gas-powered V-8, and with much better fuel economy.
The advanced diesel system will utilize BluePerformance urea injection, which will allow the 3-series to be sold in all fifty states, even those following California's strict emissions standards. BluePerformance uses a solution called AdBlue, that is injected into the exhaust gas to turn nitrous oxides into nitrogen gas and water vapor. This works in conjunction with a particulate filter to further reduce emissions. The system works on virtually the same technology that Mercedes-Benz uses in its Bluetec diesels.
The advantages of diesel technology should also help offset some of the existing criticisms of the 3-series, which include lack of interior storage space, the annoying i-drive interface (which BMW has made clear is here to stay), and its noticeably higher sticker price. Of course, the price will be even higher with the diesel engine, but chances are the premium in price will be fairly insignificant in comparison to the improvements to performance and economy. That was very much the case with the Mercedes Benz E320 Bluetec, which asks for a piddly $1000 over its gas-powered counterpart, the E350. Consumers tend not to balk over a small price hike when they realize that in the big picture they are getting much more than they are paying for.
The BMW 3-series diesel is a flagship automobile that will very likely have the presence and reputation to help give diesel technology the visibility it so desperately needs in the U.S.