Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Spoiled for choice: BMW planning six new diesel models for the U.S.

Stephen Edelstein
By

2013 BMW 7 SeriesIn greening up its image, BMW has two choices: push the diesel engines it already sells in droves in Europe, or continue to promote its “ActiveHybrid” powertrain. The Bavarian company seems to be choosing “all of the above.” Even with hybrid versions of all of its sedans, BMW is reportedly planning to launch a full line of diesels in North America.

A slide showing release dates for six diesel models, reportedly taken from a BMW North America meeting, was leaked on the F30Post forum. If it’s legitimate, Americans can expect an onslaught of diesel Bimmers beginning next year.

Recommended Videos

The first car listed is a 3 series sedan, which will arrive in the first half of 2013. It will be followed by a 3 series wagon in the second half of next year. The diesel will be the second engine option for the wagon, which launches next May as a 328i with BMW’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, but not the inline-six found in 335i sedan models.

Related

Rounding out 2013 will be a diesel 5 Series sedan and a new X5d. The 5 Series will debut in the third quarter of 2013, with the X5d following at the end of the year.

In 2014, BMW will launch a diesel version of its flagship 7 Series model, along with an X3d version of the company’s medium-sized crossover. Both models are scheduled to arrive in the first half of 2014.

It’s a little early to tell which engines will power each of these new diesel BMWs, but the company’s 3.0-liter inline-six is a good bet for most of them. It’s essentially a diesel version of BMW’s ubiquitous gasoline six, and it powers the current X5d. In that crossover, it produces 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque in that crossover.

A smaller, four-cylinder diesel is also a possibility, especially on the smaller X3d and the 3 Series wagon, which will only be offered with four-cylinder gasoline power.

Experimenting with diesels shows that BMW is in the same state of confusion as its German luxury rivals when it comes to green technology. After years of campaigning for diesel power, Audi launched the A8 hybrid in Europe, and built an A6L plug-in hybrid concept. Mercedes-Benz has the S400 Hybrid and its Bluetec diesels and, of course, all three companies are experimenting with battery-electric vehicles.2012-bmw-3-series options

For its part, BMW will have hybrid versions of its three sedans, along with a full line of diesels. In Europe, diesels and hybrids coexist like this, but diesel is also the fossil fuel of choice for most European buyers.

In America, diesel is still an obscure technology; it’s viewed as a high-mileage alternative to gasoline, not the norm. So, depending on EPA ratings and price, it’s possible that buyers looking for a fuel efficient luxury car might cross-shop a diesel with a hybrid. At least they won’t have to go far if they’re already at a BMW dealer.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more