Automakers have been battling each other for a while on the alternative energy field and consumers are finally reaping concrete benefits. Now, they can drive a diesel-powered sedan that makes no compromises.
Some of you will want to remind me that pickup trucks have been running on diesel for decades and that TDI-equipped Volkswagens enjoy intermittent success. Of course, there is also a new breed of clean-diesel SUVs from Mercedes-Benz. However, none of these vehicles offers tons of luxury as well as excellent performance and dynamics in a compact package.
After years of European exclusivity, the diesel-powered BMW 3-Series is finally making the jump to North America. From the outside, you would never differentiate it from the gasoline model if it were not for the little "d" on the badge (instead of "i"). That said, the 3-Series sedan has been slightly tweaked for 2009. So, in addition to the wonderful powertrain under the hood, you get a number of exterior upgrades here and there.
For instance, the headlights have been redesigned to incorporate LEDs, while the taillights feature BMW's new lighting scheme. Bumpers have also gone under the knife for sleeker lines and a more assertive presence.
Happiness, pure happiness
Drivers will feel in familiar territory inside the 335d. They'll even rediscover the little things that make it such a quality product. First of all, the color scheme (as tested: burnt orange for the seats and door panels; black for everything else) is really attractive. To complete this rich-looking display, a genuine wood inlay runs across the dashboard and along the center console. Of course, brushed aluminum inserts are used to highlight the controls and instruments.
The "Flame Surface" dashboard design of our friend Chris Bangle adds liveliness and personality to the interior, especially the wave above the navigation screen. Control ergonomics, except for the iDrive interface, are quite good; I found the buttons on the steering wheel easy to use. Even the cup holders are originally thought-out. The entire layout works to fill occupants with happiness. Ventilation is effective and soundproofing is definitely worth commending. Actually, the only amenity that still requires some getting used to is the infamous iDrive; personally, my test week wasn't enough. On the plus side, the navigation system proves to be very accurate.
Some of you will want to remind me that pickup trucks have been running on diesel for decades and that TDI-equipped Volkswagens enjoy intermittent success. Of course, there is also a new breed of clean-diesel SUVs from Mercedes-Benz. However, none of these vehicles offers tons of luxury as well as excellent performance and dynamics in a compact package.
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| This might be the perfect car to change people's perception of diesel. |
After years of European exclusivity, the diesel-powered BMW 3-Series is finally making the jump to North America. From the outside, you would never differentiate it from the gasoline model if it were not for the little "d" on the badge (instead of "i"). That said, the 3-Series sedan has been slightly tweaked for 2009. So, in addition to the wonderful powertrain under the hood, you get a number of exterior upgrades here and there.
For instance, the headlights have been redesigned to incorporate LEDs, while the taillights feature BMW's new lighting scheme. Bumpers have also gone under the knife for sleeker lines and a more assertive presence.
Happiness, pure happiness
Drivers will feel in familiar territory inside the 335d. They'll even rediscover the little things that make it such a quality product. First of all, the color scheme (as tested: burnt orange for the seats and door panels; black for everything else) is really attractive. To complete this rich-looking display, a genuine wood inlay runs across the dashboard and along the center console. Of course, brushed aluminum inserts are used to highlight the controls and instruments.
The "Flame Surface" dashboard design of our friend Chris Bangle adds liveliness and personality to the interior, especially the wave above the navigation screen. Control ergonomics, except for the iDrive interface, are quite good; I found the buttons on the steering wheel easy to use. Even the cup holders are originally thought-out. The entire layout works to fill occupants with happiness. Ventilation is effective and soundproofing is definitely worth commending. Actually, the only amenity that still requires some getting used to is the infamous iDrive; personally, my test week wasn't enough. On the plus side, the navigation system proves to be very accurate.
 |
| Of course, brushed aluminum inserts are used to highlight the controls and instruments. |