Deliveries of BMW’s new 330d sedan have been slated for the second quarter of ‘09 and, given the car’s excellent credentials, it will be a long wait for some aspiring owners. Powered by a six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, the 330d provides V8 rivaling torque with efficiency akin to a four-cylinder.

The new generation all-aluminium engine pumps out 180kWs and a huge 520Nms. Peak power is reached at 4,000 rpm but peak torque is available from as low as 1,750 rpm and up to 3,000 rpm. The 330d will be available only with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Returning fuel efficiency figures of 6.8L/100kms and emissions of 180 g/km, the 330d will incur less Luxury Car Tax (LCT) as a result. These figures, combined with the Beamer’s stump-pulling torque, should make it a popular additon to the updated 3-Series range.

“BMW continues to roll out the fruits of its industry-leading EfficientDynamics engine programme in Australia which brings the triple benefits of high-performance, low consumption and low emissions,” Tom Noble, General Manager, Marketing at BMW Group Australia, said.

The 330d is not only a fuel-miser, that hefty torque figure ensures it has the performance expected of a six-cylinder BMW. The 3-Series oiler will run from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds, on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h!

Tom Noble underscored the 330d’s relevance within the BMW line-up and its expected reception in the marketplace:

“Now we can offer a truly muscular diesel performance option in our most popular body style. It’s a mix we are certain will be extremely popular in this segment of the market. The new BMW 330d sedan gives our customers the opportunity to mix V8 engine performance with four-cylinder fuel economy, but at the same time delivering the tangible delights of our highly-acclaimed straight-six cylinder engines,” he said.

The BMW 330d will join the rest of the updated 3-Series range. Entry level to the 3-Series diesel club is the 320d Executive, which is priced from $54,500. The 320d’s four-cylinder diesel returns a scant 6.0L/100kms which also results in a concession on LCT for buyers.

BMW has announced that pricing for the 330d will be revealed closer to launch.

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