The BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon will emit 109g/km and average 68.9mpg when it goes on sale in January 2010, it was announced at the Frankfurt motor show.
It is powered by a 161bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine with 265lb ft of torque, giving it a 0-62mph time of 8.2sec and a top speed of 137mph. Acceleration from 50-75mph in fifth gear takes 9.6sec, according to BMW.
See the BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon up close
As a result of its emissions, it will cost £35 a year in VED road tax and attract a 13 per cent benefit-in-kind rating.
Changes made to achieve these economy figures include a modified engine construction, a longer rear axle transmission ratio, lowered suspension and the use of specially designed aerodynamic alloy wheels with Michelin EnergySaver tyres.
It also has a dual-mass flywheel with springs between the two parts to help smooth out any engine vibration through the drivetrain, plus centrifugal pendulum absorbers to improve smoothness further. BMW says the improvements these bring should encourage the driver to use a higher gear more often.
Standard BMW Efficient Dynamics features are also fitted, such as stop-start, brake energy regeneration and electric power steering.
No prices have been announced, but BMW says it will mirror the 320d SE's, with which it shares an almost identical spec, apart from having smaller, 16-inch alloy wheels.
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Re: BMW's cleanest ever 3-series
Efficient dynamics already come with the petrol engined cars. I have a standard 116i and it has auto start/stop, aerodynamic front grill, etc.
These are very impressive figures and BMW deserves to do very well with this because I don't see any true competitor.
Re: BMW's cleanest ever 3-series
WOW, these are phenomenal figures. Forget the Mondeo Econetic and Passat Bluemotion these simply do not compete with this car. Audi, MB and especially Lexus need to rip this car apart to see how it is done properly, why would you buy anything else in this market?
VW have just launched the Golf Bluemotion which has roughly identical economy and CO2 figures but with a 105ps 1.6 diesel, yes you will pay for all this Efficient Dynamics in the list price but blimey they are phenomenal performance figures. If BMW apply the same technology to the 316d and 318d imagine the results.
Incidentally just thought, why don't the likes of BMW and VW apply these 'greener' technologies to their petrol engined variants (I know merc do) particularly VW with their already impressive TSI engines, I can't think of a reason why most of the Bluemotion/Efficient Dynamics alterations can't be applied to these.
Re: BMW's cleanest ever 3-series
I am wondering whether this engine satisfies EU6 emission standards, the current engine 320D engine satisfies EU5, If it does then it will definitely be the cleanest 3 series diesel by all tests not just by CO2