Frankfurt Preview: 2010 BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition, 57.4 mpg (U.S.)
2010 BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition - click above for high-res image gallery
Next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW will be rolling out an extra high mileage Efficient Dynamics Edition of its 320d sedan. Like most European BMWs, this one is powered by a diesel engine that helps it get to 57.36 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined driving cycle with CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km. This new edition of the 320d gets a number of optimizations to reach these lofty numbers. Under the hood is the mid-range 163 hp single turbo version of BMW's 2.0-liter four cylinder diesel. It sends power through a 6-speed manual transmission and the ED edition gets a taller final drive ratio.
It takes less effort to move this 3-series through the air as the body has been lowered and new low drag wheels are fitted, bringing the drag coefficient down to 0.26. Parasitic losses are reduced through the use brake energy regeneration and electric power steering. Even with all the attention to efficiency, the 320d still gets to 62 mph in a very respectable 8.2 seconds. Perhaps if Munich offered up this model to Americans, in addition to the 335d, the company might have more success with diesel vehicles here.
[Source: BMW]
PRESS RELEASE
The New BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition:
Yet Another Step Ahead.
An unprecedented combination of low emissions and sheer driving pleasure: 4.1 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 68.9 mpg imp) and 109 grams CO2/km for 120 kW/163 hp. Most fuel-efficient and lowest-emission model in BMW's current product portfolio sets new standards in the midrange segment.
Munich. Premium car maker BMW is further increasing its substantial lead in the development of particularly clean and at the same time very dynamic cars
of the highest standard. Teaming up with the BMW 320d, the new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition is being presented for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. This unique saloon combines fuel consumption of just 4.1 litres diesel/100 kilometres (equal to 68.9 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 109 grams per kilometre in the EU test cycle with engine output of 120 kW/163 hp.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine of this high-tech model boasts an all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharging with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection complete with piezo-injectors. With the engine and the entire car modified once again for an even higher standard of efficiency, this unique saloon targeted above all at the German, Italian, French and Spanish markets comes with optimised aerodynamics, an extra-long final drive ratio, and an innovative two-mass flywheel incorporating a centrifugal-force pendulum.
All this makes the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emission car in BMW's current model range. In the fiercely contested midrange segment it is an unparalleled, highly attractive premium offer for the truly demanding and progressive customer focusing primarily on superior economy and the environment, without wishing to forego the sporting driving characteristics so typical of a genuine BMW.
The enhanced efficiency already offered by the existing models in the BMW 3 Series thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics making these cars superior to their competitors, is now raised to an even higher level in the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition.
Four-cylinder diesel engine with optimised efficiency and superior performance all in one.
The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine specifically optimised for even greater fuel economy and emission management and, therefore, for a standard of efficiency never seen before. All this comes from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder power unit with its all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharging and the latest generation of common-rail fuel injection featured with various power stages also in the BMW 316d, the BMW 318d and the BMW 320d. The engine specially conceived for the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition develops maximum output of 120 kW/163 hp at an engine speed of 3,500–4,200 rpm and peak torque of 360 Newton-metres/265 lb-ft all the way from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm.
The engine stands out in particular through its sporting and dynamic power from low revs. The innovative centrifugal-force pendulum incorporated in the two-mass flywheel, together with the longer transmission ratio, serves to significantly reduce the level of engine speed at all road speeds relevant in practice in the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition. The shift in load points beneficial to fuel economy and emissions goes together in this case with full maintenance of the spontaneity and running smoothness so typical of a BMW diesel.
Centrifugal pendulum in the two-mass flywheel for smooth and comfortable motoring without vibrations even at very low engine speeds.
To ensure smooth driving characteristics free of vibration also when driving at particularly low engine speeds, the power unit of the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition features a so-called centrifugal pendulum efficiently compensating any unsmoothness in running characteristics typically encountered at low revs. This innovative component is integrated in the engine's two-mass flywheel where it dampens the vibrations generated under load, thus ensuring comfortable and acoustically optimised development of power and performance all the way from low engine speeds.
This increase in motoring comfort will encourage the driver to use a higher gear more often or, respectively, not to shift back as he otherwise would do. But when accelerating the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition still offers the driving behaviour and agility so typical of BMW.
The driving dynamics characteristic of a BMW are borne out also by the car's acceleration to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds and by the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition accelerating in fifth gear from 80–120 km/h in 9.6 seconds. Top speed is 225 km/h or 140 mph.
Lower emissions, more driving pleasure: consistently implementing the potential of BMW EfficientDynamics.
The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition comes with the complete range of technologies serving to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions and already featured as standard on the other models in the BMW 3 Series. Brake Energy Regeneration, for example, serves to concentrate the generation of electric power for the on-board network on overrun and the application of the brakes, thus avoiding even the slightest increase in fuel consumption. The Auto Start Stop function, in turn, switches off the engine even during a short stop in traffic, avoiding any unnecessary consumption of fuel while idling. The gearshift point indicator on the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition, to mention yet a further example, tells the driver in good time when to shift gears in the interest of optimum efficiency. And like the detachable climate compressor, EPS Electronic Power Steering operates only when needed, again in the interest of maximum efficiency.
The electric motor featured within the EPS system therefore takes up energy only when really needed for power assistance or when required by the driver. Active cooling through air flap control and tyres with reduced roll resistance also serve to enhance the car's efficiency, and the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition is likewise fitted with a diesel particulates filter close to the engine. It almost goes without saying, finally, that the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition fulfils the EU5 emission standard in full.
The fuel economy and emission management also featured in the other models in the BMW 3 Series are combined in the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition with additional innovations, which, together with the decrease in engine power on the BMW 320d by 10 kW or 14 hp, serve to reduce fuel consumption and emissions to an even lower level, below the CO2 standard of 110 grams per kilometre relevant to taxation in many countries.
These additional features include a longer final drive ratio and the lower chassis and suspension of the car. Newly developed Aero wheel rims in turbine wheel design – the only optical sign of distinction on the car to be seen from outside – improve the level of aerodynamics to an even higher standard, giving the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition a drag coefficient of just 0.26.
Within the BMW 3 Series the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition is the so far most consistent implementation of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, offering the motorist who really appreciates the premium character and sporting driving qualities of a BMW 3 Series and at the same time attaches utmost significance to superior economy exactly the right choice in the midrange market segment.
Comparing the efficiency of all models in this segment, BMW, introducing the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition, is once again moving a step ahead of the competition. And following BMW's general policy, the improvement of efficiency offered by this innovative technology does not even require the payment of a higher price for the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition, which therefore comes at the same price as the "regular" BMW 320d, which naturally is still included in BMW's model range.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
mapoftazifosho 11:19AM (8/21/2009)
I would love this.
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Steve 11:33AM (8/21/2009)
American oil companies are doing everything possible to keep fuel efficient vehicles out of the country. If US car companies made diesels this would give the oil companies a heart attack. Seems they rule the roost not the car companies.
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Mark Kiernan 11:55AM (8/21/2009)
I hear politicians in the US talking about freeing the country up from dependence on foreign oil how about freeing up dependence on oil period?
But you are right Steve the oil industry with their lobbyists will remain a thorn in the side of the people and any chance of efficiency for the foreseeable future.
paulwesterberg 11:38AM (8/21/2009)
This is on the EU test cycle which has insane speeds of up to 40mph.
The 2010 prius gets 72.4mpg on this "test", but the US epa reports a more realistic 50mpg.
So the actual real world mpg for this car is probably 40mpg, which is still pretty good, but unremarkable considering that diesel contains 30% more btus than gasoline and VW already has a number of diesels that can get 40mpg.
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Mark Kiernan 11:53AM (8/21/2009)
Remember that BMW is classed as a luxury car so it isn't too bad.
How about a diesel hybrid or even better a BMW EV (don't say the Mini (scam) E).
Sam 1:13PM (8/21/2009)
The figure your talking about the Prius is the HWY mileage not the combined mileage. The mileage here quoted is Combined hwy/city.
EURO numbers for prius are as follows
Highway 3.8 Liters on 100 km =74.3 IMP MPG or 61.9 US MPG
Combined 4 liters on 100 km =70.62 IMP MPG or 58.8 US MPG
The combined Euro rating for this vehicle which has WAY more power, alot more space, and way better performance is 57.4 US MPG on the Euro test cycle, which is off by 1.4 US MPG from the prius. I'd say that is Impressive.
paulwesterberg 1:52PM (8/21/2009)
Sam, define "alot" more space. A larger engine compartment does not count.
The 2010 prius has 116 cubic feet, one cubic foot smaller than the 2010 ford fusion.
Sam 2:40PM (8/21/2009)
I actually had no idea the interior size was so close. However the Prius is slightly higher than the 3 series. That's sort of besides this point however, The tow ability, dynamic drive abiltiy and overall driving experience can't even be compared.
I'm not sure where you live but try driving the prius through the mountains in tennesee or virginia. Then try driving the BMW 320d and let me know the first thing you notice, other than the fact the BMW would probably use less fuel on the hwy.
wisi 3:05PM (8/21/2009)
@paulwesterberg
that is wrong, top speed in the nedc is 75mph
Martin 11:57AM (8/21/2009)
Oil fungible, so I'm not sure about the "American oil Companies". As cars become more fuel efficient, the gasoline price will rise. I would argue that the only way to keep prices down would be to have a myriad of competing fuel sources: LNG, electric, diesel, gas, alcohol, etc.
Trying to pick a single "winner" is a loosing strategy. If you want the government to do something, pass a regulation that forbids the oil companies from owning or leasing the gas stations and let the fuels compete.
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paulwesterberg 2:07PM (8/21/2009)
Good luck getting that legislation passed through congress.
I agree with you that prices will rise even as cars become more efficient. Why?
- More people in india and china are able to afford cars and drive.
- Gas stations here in the US will start to sell half the gas they used to and they will need to raise retail prices in order to maintain the same overall sales revenue.
Trying to pick a "winner" might seem hard, but it is easy to see which fuel will be the loser if crude oil prices rise. Light sweet crude is the best oil for refining into low sulfur diesel fuel and most of the wells that pump this high grade crude are in decline. When refining sour crude oil it is much easier to make gasoline and yields relatively few gallons of diesel.
Nick 3:56AM (8/23/2009)
@Martin
"As cars become more fuel efficient, the gasoline price will rise"
?? Wrong: The more fuel efficient the fleet of cars, the lower the oil used, the more oil becomes available, the lower the oil prices.
Prices are a function of offer and demand.
Martin 6:53AM (8/23/2009)
@Nick
So with Nick running the oil companies when your customers buy more fuel efficient cars, that uses less of your product, which puts less in your pocket, you are going to lower the price of your product?
Supply and demand only works if there is no monopoly. With few exceptions, vehicles run only on oil products. This is why I wrote about the diversity of fuels, supplied by independent stations in my original post.
SumideXE 3:04PM (8/21/2009)
no way we'd buy this piece of crap!
28mpg is good enough!
::goes back to watching football and eating fried chicken::
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Lamborrari 12:46AM (8/22/2009)
Zero to 60 in 8.2 seconds returning 57.4 combined mpg? That's insanely awesome. No wonder the Japanese have trouble moving hybrids in Europe when you can get faster diesels that are just as efficient and more fun to drive.
If BMW bit the bullet and offered this car in the US, it would be the perfect car for the environmentally conscious yuppie. They can have their cake and eat it, too.
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asus 2:01AM (8/22/2009)
Oh for christ sake, import it to the USA already. And Mercedes you can bring your C220 CDI too... They'd sell a ton of these 320ds.
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chris 4:39PM (8/22/2009)
Love it...
I just saw some commercial on TV where BMW was touting the "most fuel efficient range of luxury vehicles" or something like that. I thought I saw a 3'er in the picture too....
I'm curious, what are the main reasons that might prevent BMW from bringing this car to the US? California emissions?
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SLMarkyMark 12:28AM (8/23/2009)
This car is sick. I want one now!! Since its turbocharged shouldn't it be called a 325d instead of a 320d? Just nitpicking. Would make sense to me though since the 3.0 liter twin-turbo gets the "35" nomenclature and not "30". Maybe since its only a single instead of twin it could be the 322.5d :-p
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skierpage 6:16AM (8/23/2009)
This certainly shames the Lexus hybrids. Its Cd is nearly as good as the Prius, slightly more torque, ~30 more HP, shuts off at a standstill. It has regenerative braking but BMW doesn't give battery capacity or electric motor power, so presumably both are tiny. Maybe the electricity just goes into a more powerful starter motor and all the electrically-powered systems, rather than into a motor that can contribute to moving the car as in the BMW-GM-Chrysler-Daimler mild hybrid or BMW 2-Mode system.
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Lorena Palin 11:23AM (8/23/2009)
I want one.
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