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.
11/24, 11:34 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
So long as it isn’t the same size as the one in the X5 and 3er, it should be fine.
11/24, 11:48 PM
posted by:
wideopenthrottle
Sounds good to me. Only downside is that diesel is more than a dollar more than gasoline here in New England. So that would somewhat erode the benefits of higher mileage because your still paying more dollars per mile than most gas engines. On the good side, it polutes less and is more reliable than a gas engine. Not to mention it helps with those stupid CAFE numbers.
11/24, 11:56 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I think it’s a great idea. The people actually driving one of these instead of being driven want to see us about as much as we want to see them.
11/25, 12:18 AM
posted by:
Bimmer
BMW, let us have full line up, please! I’d like to have a 535d Touring with ///M-Sport package. But it’s only available with ONLY one engine, good one, but not diesel. And I’ve read wonderful things about 123d. Also bring over hatchback versions of 1-Series.
11/25, 1:42 AM
posted by:
nickkop
great move! BMW should offer the I6 TTD and a V8 TD
11/25, 5:03 AM
posted by:
A4
a diesel 7 would be genius for our shores, i miss the big oil burning mercedes S-classes from the 90’s.
11/25, 10:15 AM
posted by:
bd394
The diesel from the 335d should be the perfect size for a 7.
11/25, 8:21 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Yesss…BMW, this is an EGGcellent idea!