[SCOTT26]

WORLD PREMIERE : BMW 520d "Efficient Dynamics Edition"

BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Edition: unique in the upper mid-range segment –a premium sedan with CO2 emissions of 119 g/km.

Launching at the IAA, Frankfurt in September .


From autumn 2011, in parallel with the regular BMW 520d, an ultra-fuel-efficient version of this sedan will be offered: the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Edition.

With unchanged maximum power (135 kW/184 hp) and torque (380 Newton metres / 280 lb-ft), this model records average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.5 l/100 km (62.8 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 119 grams per kilometre. This is around ten per cent better consumption than the most fuel-efficient segment competitors, despite the fact that the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Edition is more powerful than the competitor models.

With a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 231 km/h (143.5 mph), even this most fuel-efficient model in the BMW 5 Series boasts typical sporty BMW performance. Its extra-efficient 2.0-litre diesel engine is, like that of the familiar BMW 520d, equipped with a centrifugal pendulum absorber which reduces irregular running at low engine speeds for greater refinement. It is also combined with a range of other efficiency-enhancing measures. These include Auto Start-Stop, an Optimum
Shift Indicator, Brake Energy Regeneration and active cooling flap control, plus a longer final drive ratio and special aero rims with “Streamline” styling.

[SchlauCow]

I'm guessing this won't be available for US market?

[Rochdale Pioneers]

You do have to ask what are the cultural barriers to BMW and others selling diesels in America. In Europe diesel has seen 20 years of rapid development so that it has become in a lot of countries the fuel of choice. Its now ludicrously fuel efficient, produces tidal waves of torque, and can be clean and refined. Indeed the development of diesel has seen petrol engines having to try and offer similar characteristics - witness the VW 1.4 Turbocharged AND supercharged plant, or the Fiat twin-air system.

So, engines that are very efficient, very powerful and refined. Why do manufacturers think Americans don't want to buy them? I know many of you guys do, but evidently you are in the minority. My perception of a lot of American cars is that they have oversized and underpowered V petrol engines drinking pointless amounts of fuel for their lack of performance over the smaller engines seen elsewhere in the world.

How important is the domestic manufacturing sector and are they lobbying against diesel the same as they once lobbied against Japan for fear of being shown up?

[Captain Chaos]

Cultural tog-of-war aside, one thing most will agree on is that those wheels do indeed look GASH...

[karmakal]

Any volcanoes in Finland ?

[EdM5]

Amazing frugality but hideous wheels.