Future BMW Diesel Lineup Previewed

Contrary to Dunkin’ Donuts’ slogan, America actually runs gasoline, not deep-fried pastries. The dessert peddler may fuel people with freshly brewed coffee and lots of sugar, but when it comes to getting from point “A” to point “B” petrol is just about the only game in town. Giving drivers some much needed diversity in their fuel diets BMW is launching several new diesel-powered vehicles in the U.S.

Starting it all off will be the company’s perennially popular 3 Series which is expected to receive a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. This oil-fueled engine will power the 328d starting in the 2014 model year. The car will be offered in both rear- and all-wheel drive flavors; a station-wagon version will also be available (Yes, a diesel BMW wagon!). Production of all 328d models is expected to begin in July.

If you’re a Dreier-Reihe fan it’s your lucky day because there’s more news to share. The Gran Turismo version of the car is coming to America. The company’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system will be standard fare on every U.S.-spec model. The 328xi GT and 335xi GT are expected to be sold in the States; diesel power does not appear to be in the works for this model.

Replacing the 3 Series coupe and convertible is the newly christened 4 Series. This car was previewed as a concept at the Detroit auto show back in January. The two-door version will be offered with four- and six-cylinder power as well as rear- or all-wheel drive. Production is expected to being in July.

Drop-tops will share the same engines as 428 and 435 coupes but will only be available in rear-wheel drive for the 2014 model year. An xDrive model could come later, though like the 3 Series GT, no diesel-powered versions of the 4 Series appear to be on the menu for American buyers.

SEE ALSO: BMW 4 Series Revealed at Detroit Auto Show

Stepping up BMW’s size staircase, the 5 Series is next in line. U.S.-versions of this executive saloon are expected to be on the receiving end of a brand new diesel engine – a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. Nothing has officially been announced, but look for it to deliver around 255 horsepower with approximately 413 lb-ft of torque. Don’t expect this powerplant to crossover to the Gran Turismo version of the 5 Series, though. Production of the 535d will commence in July; the car should be offered with rear- or all-wheel drive.

The X5, BMW’s “sports activity vehicle,” is entering its third generation. Production is expected to kick off this month at the company’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Base models get a turbocharged straight-six and get the “35i” suffix. As you’d expect, rear- or all-wheel drive is available. A force-fed 4.4-liter V8 is the optional powerplant and is only available with xDrive. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board. Despite currently offering an X5 diesel, it appears as though this combination will be dropped in ‘Merica.

[Source: Automobile]

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