The Soon to be Released in US BMW 320d Takes on the A4 TDI

Does BMW still build the best green compact exec? We find out as the 320d ED meets Audi’s latest A4
Strict taxes on CO2 emissions are now playing a huge role in deciding which cars we buy – and no class of the market has been affected more than the compact executive saloon sector.

When the first-generation BMW 320d EfficientDynamics was launched back in 2010, few people could have predicted that it would become such a huge sales phenomenon. This standalone model is now one of the most popular versions of the 3 Series, accounting for more than a third of the saloon’s sales.

That means the pressure is on for this new model to deliver. We were very impressed with the standard car, which swept its rivals aside to claim victory in our first test – so can the ED repeat the feat?

Standing in the newcomer’s way is the most efficient version of the recently facelifted Audi A4. Both cars have been engineered to produce the lowest amount of CO2 possible without sacrificing their performance or premium image, and both are hugely attractive company choices as a result. But which is the better all-round package?


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GermanNut - 8/13/2012 12:54:27 PM

-2 Boost

Sure, the 3-series won, but as the article points out, the A4 has come closer than any other competitor to knocking off the 3-series from its perch. I believe the next A4, if Audi stays true to its belief of more aggressive and differentiated styling, will be the car that finally takes down the 3-series.

Very similar to how the new A6 took down the 5-series and the A8 took down the 7-series.

bmwm6 - 8/13/2012 1:51:36 PM

+3 Boost

Despite the A6, and A8 being newer than both BMW counterparts, in a segment where it seem the newest out always comes out on top. The BMW still has a few wins under its belt in the US, but many more in Europe.. while Audi does also. But the 5 and 7 in no way have been "taken down". Audi is too focused on numbers and overlooks other details in the driving experience like numb steering. A tenth quicker to 60 or .2 mph in the slalom mean little to people buying 4000lb luxury cars. In fact I believe the 5 is currently the top seller in its segment globally..also the A4 will never challange the 3 dynamically (when speced with equal sport/tire packages) as long as it has a FWD based chassis.

bmwm6 - 8/14/2012 8:38:56 AM

+2 Boost

"With Audi's A6 already outselling both BMW's 5-series and Mercedes-Benz's E-class worldwide"

The line your are referring to has no source it was written by Germannut, if you click on the article that is associated with that thread it does not state that anywhere in there.

Baby - 8/16/2012 2:26:40 AM

+1 Boost

Hey Germannut. Audi as of late has consistantly been chasing the M3 and have been second in that respects for a while now; still a great achievement to say the least... :)

bmwm6 - 8/16/2012 10:48:02 AM

+2 Boost

A few years ago that may have been true (but all sources claiming that are early 2011 or older), it appears that is no longer the case. The 5 is currently the top seller.

"The highly popular BMW 5 Series, which continues to be the worldwide leader in its segment, saw sales increase by 4.1% to 177,785 units during the six-month period"

http://www.rushlane.com/bmw-group-sales-for-second-quarter-show-5-4-increase-1241510.html

atc98092 - 8/13/2012 12:57:23 PM

-1 Boost

Since there's no A4 TDI in the US, it's a moot point for us.

And I'll believe the 320d is coming when I see it in the showroom.

bmwm6 - 8/13/2012 1:54:06 PM

+2 Boost

2.0 and 3.0 diesels have already been confirmed by BMW NA for the U.S. starting in 2013. Most likely recipients will be the 3, X3,5, and X5.

94geo - 8/14/2012 9:04:43 AM

+1 Boost

"Since there's no A4 TDI in the US, it's a moot point for us."

A moot point, like posting articles on the Audi SQ5..

Rectifier - 8/13/2012 3:39:35 PM

-1 Boost

The authors are absolute idiots. How come a low-CO2, but high-NOx and high-soot emiting diesel can be rated "green"? The green (plants) feed on CO2! Hence a high-CO2 but low-NOx and low-soot gas engines are much greener.

chewy - 8/13/2012 4:53:58 PM

+1 Boost

Modern diesels have zero soot (look at clean diesel tailpipes and they are spotless unlike some gas powered vehicles) and the NOx is about the same as gas cars because of rules. CO2 is a greenhouse gas which some call a pollutant in that sense.

Rectifier - 8/14/2012 4:33:28 AM

+1 Boost

@chewy
Yeah, dreaming about it is free, I guess.

Baby - 8/16/2012 2:22:40 AM

+1 Boost

Chewy what is wrong with you~ Soot? Really? LOL