BMW's US Diesel Strategy

[LeMansX5]

A photograph of a slideshow presentation outlining BMW’s plans for a diesel-ification of the brand’s U.S. lineup surfaced on VWvortex earlier this week—the source of the photo you see above. BMW refused to confirm or deny the legitimacy of the rollout plan, but we did receive strong hints that the chart is for real. If this is to be believed, we’re finally getting what we’ve clamored for: more diesel-powered BMWs in the U.S. Here’s what’s in the works for us, according to the document.A diesel-powered 3-series sedan will arrive in the first half of 2013, followed by a 3-series diesel wagon in the second half of the year. The third quarter of 2013 will see the addition of a 5-series diesel, with a new oil-burning X5 added to the lineup near the end of the year. The first half of 2014 will mark the arrival of a 7-series diesel, with a diesel-powered X3 joining the lineup at about the same time.

Exactly which of BMW’s oil-burning powerplants will slot into which model hasn’t yet been confirmed. The Bavarian brand did confirm earlier this year that its 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel is slated for U.S. duty, and we believe that mill is ripe for service in the 3-series, the X3, and potentially in the 5-series as an ultra-efficient option. Of course, the brand’s ubiquitous 3.0-liter inline-six diesel—which BMW already offers in various forms in Europe and the U.S.—could reasonably power any of those previously mentioned models. The discontinued-for-2012 335d used such an engine, although it was perceived as being too thirsty and providing more oomph than was necessary. The X5—which already is offered in xDrive35d, twin-turbo inline-six oil-burning form—and the 7-series seem like the most-plausible candidates for such a powerplant.

As you may have noticed, there’s no mention of an M model, so don’t expect to see the tri-turbocharged M550d here any time soon—although it’s possible that the 7-series could be a recipient of this engine, but it’s a long shot. Much more likely is that BMW will stick with the single- and twin-turbos, which are plenty torquey and powerful. Think a power range between 245 hp and 320. And don’t hold your breath for a stick; expect all these future diesels to be equipped with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic.

BMW Plans U.S.-Market Diesel Rollout