Comfort is perfectly dialed thanks to a pair of supportive buckets and multi-way power adjustments up front. In the back, things are a little tight. Both the rear passenger quarters and cargo area are handicapped by the car's taut exterior and massive wheel wells. Access to the trunk is also affected.
Skeptics will be speechless
We're light-years away from the old diesel engines that produced clouds of blue smoke, nauseous smells, deafening noises and sickening vibrations. Today's clean diesel engines are considerably more refined, modern and pleasant. And while the 335d's is 35-horsepower less potent than its gasoline counterpart (265 vs. 300), it makes up for it in a big way by generating 125 additional pounds-feet of torque (425 vs. 300). How about that!
Said torque is available at low RPMs, which is even better, and the assist from the twin turbochargers really spices things up on the road. The smaller turbo activates right upon takeoff with no ill effect on power, while the larger turbo steps in at higher RPMs to provide a humble though much-appreciated burst at just the right time. As a result, you can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. That's pretty fast for a diesel mill!
The most interesting aspect of the 335d remains fuel economy. In spite of polar temperatures and fairly aggressive driving in mostly urban conditions, my tester averaged between 8.7 and 9.8 liters per 100 kilometers. According to BMW, combined city-highway use (in normal conditions) results in a 7.1 L/100 km average. Compared to gasoline-powered 3-Series models, the 335d is 30-percent more efficient. Toxic emissions are also significantly limited thanks to an advanced catalytic converter system.
Once you realize that the 335d operates exactly like a 335i (which doesn't take long), you can appreciate the same genuine BMW character, starting with sharp driving dynamics and a nice feeling of control. The 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode is superb just like the rest. The suspension is firm enough to live up to the Bavarian automaker's reputation, while the ultra-competent, seemingly tireless brakes are nicely responsive and progressive.
Competition
Right now, the 3-Series is the only diesel-powered premium compact sedan on the market. Both Mercedes-Benz and Audi are reluctant to renew with diesel in North America. Eventually, though, most manufacturers will have no other choice but to follow suit, especially since clean diesel engines are enjoying a tremendous success in Europe. The 2009 BMW 335d retails for $49,700.
Final word
This might be the perfect car to change people's perception of diesel. The BMW 335d is a GT sedan offering everything you need and expect to find in such a package. A lot of times during my road test, I just wanted to roll down my window and shout to the world: "Look at this! It's a diesel... and it's fun!"
photo:Bertrand Godin
Skeptics will be speechless
We're light-years away from the old diesel engines that produced clouds of blue smoke, nauseous smells, deafening noises and sickening vibrations. Today's clean diesel engines are considerably more refined, modern and pleasant. And while the 335d's is 35-horsepower less potent than its gasoline counterpart (265 vs. 300), it makes up for it in a big way by generating 125 additional pounds-feet of torque (425 vs. 300). How about that!
Said torque is available at low RPMs, which is even better, and the assist from the twin turbochargers really spices things up on the road. The smaller turbo activates right upon takeoff with no ill effect on power, while the larger turbo steps in at higher RPMs to provide a humble though much-appreciated burst at just the right time. As a result, you can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. That's pretty fast for a diesel mill!
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| The 335d's is 35-horsepower less potent than its gasoline counterpart (265 vs. 300). |
The most interesting aspect of the 335d remains fuel economy. In spite of polar temperatures and fairly aggressive driving in mostly urban conditions, my tester averaged between 8.7 and 9.8 liters per 100 kilometers. According to BMW, combined city-highway use (in normal conditions) results in a 7.1 L/100 km average. Compared to gasoline-powered 3-Series models, the 335d is 30-percent more efficient. Toxic emissions are also significantly limited thanks to an advanced catalytic converter system.
Once you realize that the 335d operates exactly like a 335i (which doesn't take long), you can appreciate the same genuine BMW character, starting with sharp driving dynamics and a nice feeling of control. The 6-speed automatic transmission with manual mode is superb just like the rest. The suspension is firm enough to live up to the Bavarian automaker's reputation, while the ultra-competent, seemingly tireless brakes are nicely responsive and progressive.
Competition
Right now, the 3-Series is the only diesel-powered premium compact sedan on the market. Both Mercedes-Benz and Audi are reluctant to renew with diesel in North America. Eventually, though, most manufacturers will have no other choice but to follow suit, especially since clean diesel engines are enjoying a tremendous success in Europe. The 2009 BMW 335d retails for $49,700.
Final word
This might be the perfect car to change people's perception of diesel. The BMW 335d is a GT sedan offering everything you need and expect to find in such a package. A lot of times during my road test, I just wanted to roll down my window and shout to the world: "Look at this! It's a diesel... and it's fun!"
photo:Bertrand Godin
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