Originally Posted by JCL

Yes, it is. But given the higher torque ratings of the diesel, at a given rpm and load, the diesel has more surplus torque, ie more headroom. So it can be programmed to shift less. That won't make it faster, but it provides that sense of power that makes owners think they have more hp than they do.

BMW could install a transmission with more ratios, and has done on newer models, but I suspect there is a diminishing return there.