2014 BMW 3-series Diesels Officially Rated at up to 45 mpg; Sedan Starts at $39,525

The EPA has released information on fuel economy for the new 2014 BMW 328d sedan, and it's exactly—even shockingly, given the numbers—in line with what we were told at the New York auto show: the diesel-powered sedan is rated at 32 mpg in city driving and an impressive 45 mpg on the highway. In sedan form, prices will start at $39,525. The 328d replaces the 335d as the diesel offering in the 3-series lineup. The 335d, discontinued in 2012, rewarded us with both 425 lb-ft of torque and a 23-mpg city/36-mpg highway rating. But even with a $900 federal tax credit (now phased out for all diesels), fewer than 4000 335d sedans left dealers each year between 2009 and 2012. The new diesel is a 2.0-liter twin-turbo inline-four making 180 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic. Those output numbers are almost as impressive as the fuel economy: While diesels typically make less horsepower than a gas-powered engine of similar displacement, the 328d makes the same horsepower as the 320i (with 80 lb-ft more torque, we might add). With all-wheel drive, the $41,525 328d xDrive sedan drops to 31 mpg city/43 mpg highway (the $43,875 328d Sports Wagon is available only with all-wheel drive). Both models include standard eight-way power seats, fold-down rear seats and dimming side mirrors, which are optional on the $33,475 320i. The usual trim packages are available, too: • Sport Line: sport seats, red and high-gloss-black interior trim, 18-inch wheels; $2500 on sedan, $2600 on Sports Wagon • Luxury Line: anthracite wood and gloss-chrome interior trim, Premium package (satellite radio, keyless entry, sunroof), 18-inch wheels; $2100 on sedan, $2300 on Sports Wagon • M Sport: aluminum interior trim, sport seats, M steering wheel, blacked-out exterior trim, aerodynamic body kit, 18-inch wheels; $3500 on sedan, $3850 on Sports Wagon Prototype Drive: 2014 BMW 328d Sedan Instrumented Test: 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 First Drive: 2014 BMW 3-series / 328i Sports Wagon While we haven't tested a 328d, we'd still recommend it over the $50,575 ActiveHybrid3 (it's slower and sucks nearly as much fuel as the regular 335i). The 328d is set to go on sale later this year, and when it does, it will be the only diesel available in its class. We're not itching for it like the upcoming M4, but a 45-mpg 3-series diesel is a fantasy plenty of luxury buyers will appreciate. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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