Spy Shots: BMW 335d caught ahead of U.S. launch this fall
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 335d.
KPG's crack team has caught the U.S.-spec BMW 335d undergoing testing ahead of its official launch in the States later this year, and according to the shooters, the introduction of the 335d will coincide with the launch of the revised 3-series. Don't expect much from the facelift, as the new 3 will only receive a new front bumper and some tweaks to the headlamps. However, the interior will benefit from the new iDrive interface recently revealed on the 2009 7-series.
The 335d is expected to lose a few ponies when it makes the trek across the Atlantic, so power figures are estimated at 265 hp and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. That kind of twist is nothing to sneeze at, allowing the 335d to hit 60 in around 6.2 seconds and could make a compelling case for gasoline purists to make the transition to oil burning efficiency. Fuel consumption is expected to be 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the open road.
Naturally, BMW will be launching a new campaign when it introduces the 335d to the U.S. market for the first time, so expect to see ads touting BMW's "Advance Diesel with BluePerformance," – with the "Blue" referring to the urea solution that reduces NO2 emissions.
Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 335d
[Source: KGP]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
PaulPaul 1:01PM (7/08/2008)
your turn Audi; bring me that A5 TDI here pronto!
(yes yes, diesel cost $.50-$1 more than regular, blah blah blah)
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baffledu2 1:29PM (7/08/2008)
I hope Audi's fit and finish is a lot better than this fine German engineered piece of crap BMW. I hope this is only a test mule cause the front end pictures of this vehicle look like it was put togeather by a blind man.
If a domestic vehicle had pictures like this it would be DOA on this board but htis is after all a BMW.
3seriesisking 1:50PM (7/08/2008)
Baffle....of coarse its a test mule. If you can't tell that than you must be the blind man.
XGM 2:01PM (7/08/2008)
Hmm i keep hearing this, but up here in Canada I always see Diesel cheaper by 5-10 cents
Richard 1:02PM (7/08/2008)
I just wish that BMW would get off its high horse and bring some of the smaller diesels to the 'States, such as the 320d and even the 520d. The fiver especially would be a great choice for a lot of folk if it retailed at the same place that it does in Europe (as a percentage of 540 cost and relative to other import cars, it would sticker in the lower mid-30s).
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Kumar 1:41PM (7/08/2008)
It's going to take the Asian imports along with Audi and possibly Volvo to cause this. Seems like BMW and Benz are determined to keep diesels in the higher end segments.
If and when Audi/Volvo/Honda/Subaru bring their diesels across their ranges, you may see more offerings from those two.
Then, about 5 years after that, Ford/GM/Chrysler will decided to give us diesel in something other than a giant SUV or pickup! ;)
pmiddle5 1:57PM (7/08/2008)
if it makes 200-220hp then I'd be stoked for a 320d. 6 seconds 0-60? I can handle 7.5 seconds 0-60 easily if I get better gas mileage.
Patrick 10:25PM (7/08/2008)
Wow, with the taillights partially covered, it looks like a 1994 Honda Accord sedan or a 2001 VW Jetta!!
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Sean 1:11PM (7/08/2008)
I am continually impressed with BMW's fuel efficiency.
I mean, it's not as great as my Mazda3 econo-box, but for a heavy luxury brand it's still pretty good. Now all they have to do is make a hybrid to add another 10mpg to both sides.
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Cary 4:18AM (7/09/2008)
I'm not even remotely impressed. My girlfriend and I have a 2001 Mercedes C320 that averages 29mpg highway. It weighs over 4,500lbs. the 335i weighs 3,800lbs. Big difference, the 3er Diesel should be a bit heavier than the 335, but not that much. I would have to conclude that it will get much higher fuel economy than estimated--ala VW TDI or Mercedes CDI.
CalGuy 11:32PM (7/08/2008)
I'm underwhelmed by 23/33. For a diesel?? Our 2002 325it gets about 19/30.. sure it's 'only' got 184 hp (or so..) but I'd say this is decidedly average.
I always read about European 5-series wagons getting almost 40 freeway.. what's the point?
Kunikos 2:15AM (7/09/2008)
@Calguy: How much torque does it have? Turbo-diesels typically have awesome torque since they are so highly compressed. Frankly though you are correct that this is not that much better than a gasoline version, so I suspect that the 2009 335 may have gained a few pounds here and there in the refresh. A smaller car like the 123d would probably have better gains. I wouldn't be surprised if they started introducing the 1 series four-doors in America if gas and diesel prices continue to stay high.
Ovidiu Miron 1:13PM (7/08/2008)
The ads touting BMW's "Advance Diesel with BluePerformance" will have a great opportunity. Nowadays, branding is everything.
And the "Blue" referring to the urea solution that reduces NO2 emissions is a good idea.
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Disgruntled Goat 1:42PM (7/08/2008)
Yes, BluePerformance. That's, uhh, genius.
RG 1:14PM (7/08/2008)
"That kind of twist is nothing to sneeze at, allowing the 335d to hit 60 in around 6.2 seconds and could make a compelling case for gasoline purists to make the transition to oil burning efficiency."
Do you care to explain how this is a compelling argument? With diesel costing about a dollar more per gallon than regular and 50-60 cents more than premium, why would I get this 335d that will get me to 60 in 6 seconds instead of a 335i that goes from 0 to 60 in low 5s, high 4s?
Though the diesel is more efficient, the premium diesel commands erases any benefits, and it might even cost you MORE with the diesel. Especially with only a 7 mpg improvement on the highway with the diesel.
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Johnny 1:18PM (7/08/2008)
Where I am Premium which all BMWs require costs 4.65 avg. Diesel where I am costs about 5 bucks. How does 35 cents more for a gallon that goes 7 miles more be a wash?
Seoultrain 3:03PM (7/08/2008)
A little information is a dangerous thing.
yacoub 1:14PM (7/08/2008)
So the mpg is barely any better than the first-run 330i's 6-cylinder gasoline engine, and even with so much more torque it's not going to break 6.0s for 0-60? So it really does nothing amazing either for performance or fuel economy.
sigh...
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BigMcLargeHuge 6:22PM (7/08/2008)
I think thats because the D won't come with manual in the states. The 335d manual in Europe does about 5.5-5.8 to 60.
pmiddle5 9:24PM (7/08/2008)
ITS A DIESEL... Thats FAST for a diesel.