BMW Introduces Four EfficientDynamics Diesel Models

As part of BMW's Efficient-Dynamics movement, BMW Malaysia has launched four new diesel models here: the RM 255,800 BMW 320d Sports; the RM 379,800 BMW 520d Sports Edition; the RM 333,800 BMW X3 xDrive20d Executive Edition; and the RM 698,800 BMW 730Ld.

320d Sports uses a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 177 bhp at 4000 rpm and 350 Nm from 1750–3000 rpm. This compares favourably with 320i, which has a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 156 bhp at 6400 rpm and 200 Nm at 3600 rpm. 320d's stronger figures mean acceleration is faster, completing 0–100 km/h in 8.0 seconds versus 320i's 9.7 seconds. 320d is also more efficient, with a 16.7 km/litre fuel economy versus 320i's 12.5 km/litre.

320d Sports wears the full M-Sport kit, and has M-Sport suspension underneath. iDrive is a notable miss from the equipment list, however.

520d Sports Edition comes with the same 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 177 bhp and 350 Nm. Despite the increased weight over 320d, the 0–100 km/h time of 8.4 seconds and fuel economy of 16.4 km/litre are impressive. By contrast, 523i, powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine, only manages 9.1 seconds and 10.8 km/litre.

The Sports Edition suffix means 520d sits between the regular and M-Sport editions. You get M-Sport bodykit, wheels and steering, but without M-Sport seats and suspension. The new and improved iDrive system is standard.

Likewise, X3 xDrive20d Executive Edition shares the same 2.0-litre diesel engine as 320d and 520d, boasting a 9.2 seconds century sprint time and 14.3 km/litre fuel economy.

730Ld is the least expensive 7-Series model, positioned below 740Li and 750Li. Equipped with the latest 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, 730Ld has 245 bhp at 4000 rpm and 540 Nm from 1750–3000, which translate into impressive figures: 7.3 seconds 0–100 km/h time and 14.5 km/litre fuel economy.

As for whether the engines can cope with Malaysia's poorer diesel quality, BMW has assured that adequate testing had been carried out using our Euro 2M-compliant diesel, so all four models should work as intended.