No one has ever accused the compact BMW 3 Series of wasting fuel, but buyers can now enter a whole new world of efficiency with the 328d. Thanks to its turbo-diesel powerplant, the sporty four-door delivers mileage that tops any number of hybrids and micro cars.
What's New for 2014
The 328d is a new addition to the 3 Series lineup. What distinguishes it from its siblings lies under the hood: a 2-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder that delivers 45 mpg on the highway and 37 mpg in combined driving. With 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, the 328d is relatively quick for something so efficient.
Choosing Your BMW 328d
The 328d comes in sedan and wagon form, the latter offering cargo space that’s just shy of a compact crossover. Equipment and trim choices are virtually identical, except the wagon gets all-wheel drive standard—it’s optional on the sedan. The xDrive system reduces mileage by about 2 mpg with either body. As with other models in the 3 Series, an eight-speed automatic with sport mode does the shifting.
Among the standard perks are walnut interior trim, eight-way power leatherette seats with driver memory, a 6.5-inch color display, HD radio and rain-sensing wipers.
In addition to the base car, BMW offers three variants of the 328d:
- Luxury: Creates an upscale look with chrome exhaust tips and grille bars, 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, anthracite wood interior trim and leather seating.
Sport: Features high-gloss black grille bars, double-spoke wheels, BMW’s M Sport suspension, sport seats with contrasting accents, and your choice of interior trim: gloss black, aluminum, or anthracite wood. Leather can be added at extra cost. - M Sport: Equips the 328d with an aerodynamic body kit, sport seats, aluminum interior trim, and M Sport-spec wheels, suspension, and steering wheel. Leather seating is available.
All lines can also get a variety of option packages:
- Dynamic Handling: Adds an adaptive suspension and sport-tuned steering.
- Premium: Gives you upgraded leather seats with lumbar power for the driver, satellite radio, keyless access and a sunroof.
- Cold Weather: Comes with heated seats all around, a heated steering wheel and headlamp washers.
- Technology: Delivers a high-tech bundle that includes enhanced instrumentation, touchpad navigation, traffic data and BMW’s apps suite.
Although the 3 Series includes a hybrid model, it’s designed more for performance than efficiency. The 328d is mileage champ of the lineup by far—especially on the highway. We love the utility of the sports wagon, even if it does cost a few mpgs.