New 2014 BMW 328d Set to Return 45 MPG Highway

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In a world where driving dynamics often take a back seat to fuel economy, BMW has fused the best of both worlds: the fabulous F30 chassis 3-series is now available in diesel trim. The 2014 BMW 328d has added a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine to their most popular vehicle by volume, a much anticipated move for those who want to spend more time taking corners than visiting the pump.

The EPA has rated the 328d at 32 MPG city and an impressive 45 MPG highway, numbers that were right on par with BMW’s predictions that mileage, “could well exceed 40 MPG.” Despite this, the little 2-liter turbo returns a respectable 180 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, plenty of power for passing and for curve-hugging shenanigans. Both the BMW’s horsepower and fuel economy numbers far surpass those of the competing VW Jetta TDI, meaning that the 328d is sure to be carving itself a market even before its release.

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The 328d will be available in both wagon and sedan configurations, replacing the larger, more expensive 335d sedan and wagon. Both a rear-wheel drive 328d and 328d xDrive AWD will be available, with the AWD model only ceding 1 MPG in city and highway driving to the rear-wheel drive model. Pricing is reasonable as well: the RWD 328d is set to start at $39,525, while the xDrive sedan will start at $43,525.

And don’t forget about BMW’s impressive 8-speed automatic, a unit that will be available on the incoming 328d and will put its 0-60 time somewhere around 7 seconds. Expect the 328d to hit dealer lots later this fall.

Please enjoy this TFLcar.com video of another 3-series variant, the 2012 BMW 335i.  Could it be the ultimate father’s car?

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Frank Kosarek
Frank caught automotive fever early in life. Hailing from a long line of car fanatics, Frank was able to recite the year and model of every car that passed him by age five. His passion and love for the automobile have only grown since then. When not thinking about cars, he is reading, writing, learning, or dreaming about them. His area of expertise comes in the realm of German and Italian cars, of which Porsche is a favorite. Frank currently resides in the heart of NASCAR country in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his family. He thoroughly enjoys driving exotic cars in the beautiful Carolina weather.