We recently sampled BMW ’s U.S.-bound 335d, but the 3-Series diesel might not be BMW’s lone diesel sedan offering for long. A new report indicates that BMW is strongly considering offering a diesel version of its 7-Series sedan in the United States.
Jim O’Donnell, president of BMW of North America LLC, revealed to Automotive News that the German automaker is mulling the idea of a U.S.-spec 7-Series diesel. An oil burning 7 wasn’t in BMW’s original U.S. plans, but strong demand from U.S. dealers has BMW thinking otherwise.
The European 730d uses a turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine which has yet to be green lighted for the U.S. market, but returns an impressive 45 mpg. With stricter CAFE regulations looming on the horizon, a 7-Series diesel could be an easy way for BMW to skate past the new regulations.
No word on when a 7-Series diesel could show up on our shores, but diesel versions of BMW’s 3-Series and X5 are slated to go on sale in the U.S. next month.
