The new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon

BMW is to offer the most fuel efficient and greenest 3 Series ever with the introduction of the new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon. The latest model to be offered by the marque sets a new benchmark in the premium segment by recording impressive CO2 emissions of 109g/km and a combined consumption figure of 68.9mpg.

As the first sub 110g/km premium segment car, the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon will cost just £35 a year to tax courtesy of a Vehicle Excise Duty band B rank. A 13 per cent benefit-in-kind rating also ensures it makes maximum economical sense.

The new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon is powered by a mellifluous 1,995cc engine with class-leading performance figures. The single turbocharged diesel powerplant features an all-aluminium crankcase and third generation common-rail injection technology with piezo injectors to achieve its impressive consumption and emissions figures without diluting driver enjoyment.

Model / Power Hp / Torque Nm / 0–62mph Secs / Top Speed Mph / Combined Mpg / CO2 Emissions g/km

BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon / 163 / 360 / 8.2 / 137 / 68.9 / 109

The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon develops 163hp between 3,500rpm to 4,200rpm and 360Nm of torque from 1,750rpm to 3,000rpm. This equates to a zero to 62mph time of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 137mph. Acceleration in fifth gear from 50mph to 75mph is also suitably swift taking just 9.6 seconds. The heightened performance of the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon has been made possible due to changes to the engine construction, a longer rear axle transmission ratio, lowered suspension and the use of specially designed aerodynamic alloy wheels with Michelin EnergySaver tyres.

The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon also comes with a dual mass flywheel with springs between the two parts to help smooth out any engine vibration through the drivetrain. This is enhanced with the fitting of new Centrifugal Pendulum Absorbers to improve smoothness further. This feature increases motoring comfort and should result in the driver using a higher gear more often. This innovation combined with the longer transmission ratio thus serves to significantly reduce engine speed compared to a ‘standard’ 320d Saloon, benefiting fuel economy and emissions.

The new car still comes fitted with the existing suite of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, including Auto Start Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and Electric Power Steering for optimum performance, that have featured on all four-cylinder BMW 3 Series models since September 2007.

The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show and go on sale in January, 2010. The specification of the car will be on a par with a BMW 320d SE* and includes two-zone air-conditioning, rear Park Distance Control, BMW Professional radio, multi-function leather steering wheel and Extended lighting. Pricing is likely to mirror the existing ‘standard’ BMW 320d SE Saloon.

BMW’s class-leading CO2 emissions position
The announcement of the latest EfficientDynamics-equipped BMW comes after the marque was independently assessed and found to have the lowest average CO2 emissions of any premium car manufacturer. Research by www.cleangreencars.co.uk found BMW’s UK fleet CO2 emissions average to be 159.4g/km based on all BMWs sold in 2008.

By comparison the volume weighted CO2 emissions figure for Audi was only 173g/km, while Mercedes-Benz recorded 189.9g/km, Jaguar 198.3g/km, Land Rover 251g/km and Porsche 271.7g/km. The total industry volume average for 2008 was 158.7g/km. BMW Group was named the world’s most sustainable car manufacturer in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the fourth year in succession.

*SE specification 17-inch alloy wheel is replaced with 16-inch Aero alloy wheel.

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