The Appeal of Diesel

BMW, boasting the best fuel efficiency among domestic clean diesel vehicles,"320d BluePerformance"has a long history with diesel engines. Even in the latest 3 Series, the diesel models offer remarkable refinement, delivering a smooth ride that rivals gasoline engines while touting excellent fuel economy.

The 320d BluePerformance was launched in Japan on August 22, 2012. The "d" in the name signifies a diesel engine, and "BluePerformance" indicates a clean diesel with reduced harmful emissions. It successfully lowers NOx (nitrogen oxides) and PM (particulate matter) levels, meeting Japan's stringent Post New Long-Term Emission Standards, considered among the world's strictest.

While some manufacturers have been hesitant to introduce their excellent European diesel engines to the Japanese market, BMW is committed. In September of the same year, a Touring model was added. The car tested here is the BMW "320d BluePerformance Touring," a wagon model emphasizing agility.


In Europe, not only BMW but also Audi, Mercedes, and Porsche are enthusiastic about diesel engines. Perhaps surprisingly,"Panamera"also has a popular diesel model. The reasons are its high fuel efficiency and quietness. Although more expensive than gasoline models, sales are very strong. At one point, diesel cars sold so well that there were even reports of diesel fuel shortages in countries like Germany.

Driving the 320d BluePerformance Touring, one understands the reasons for diesel's popularity in Europe, not just for its fuel economy but also for its exceptional quietness at high speeds and strong torque at low RPMs. In Japan, efforts are being made by the importer to address pricing, with the model priced at 4.91 million yen, only 200,000 yen more than the"320i Touring"(introduced in December 2012). This pricing strategy is also commendable.

Rendering the Debate Irrelevant

The diesel unit in the BMW 320d BluePerformance is a 1,995cc inline 4-cylinder. It achieves high efficiency through a common-rail direct injection system and is equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger that responds to loads from low to high and covers the entire RPM range. BMW claims it balances the fuel efficiency of a 4-cylinder with the power of a 6-cylinder.

In reality, the drive is astonishingly smooth. The surprise is reminiscent of the Alpina "D3" diesel model experienced previously. The engine delivers a massive 380Nm of torque from 1,750rpm and revs smoothly up to 5,000rpm, making the old debate about diesel "pros and cons" utterly irrelevant.

The car accelerates with incredible force from near-idling speeds. Especially in Sport mode with the "Driving Dynamics Control," it gains speed like a bullet, making one wonder how fast it will go. The potent low-end torque characteristic of diesel, combined with the efficient turbocharger, forms an unbeatable duo. It's an impressive feat.

Once at cruising speed, the engine operates at a mere 1,600rpm at 100km/h, keeping mechanical and exhaust noise low even at high speeds. It retains the diesel's inherent advantages of torque and quietness while adding the unique pleasure of revving like a gasoline engine. This is the BMW approach to diesel cars.

The engine starts instantly. Perhaps few people are surprised by this nowadays, but older diesel engines required a glow plug and could take a minute or more to start after turning the key. The difference is remarkable. The only moment one is reminded that this is indeed a diesel engine is when accelerating moderately from near-idling speeds: a characteristic rattling sound briefly emanates from the engine bay before being quickly replaced by smooth quietness.

The "Sheer Driving Pleasure" Remains Intact

Diesel engines are quiet at high speeds and easy to handle in the city due to their strong torque, offering significant appeal in both environments. Furthermore, the BMW 320d BluePerformance excels in a third area: its chassis, tuned for a firmer ride, delivers impressive performance on winding roads. Selecting Sport mode in the Driving Dynamics Control noticeably increases steering weight around the center, becoming almost as heavy as in a classic sports car – perhaps even excessively so. However, this reveals the manufacturer's philosophy on "sportiness," which is quite intriguing.

The interior is spacious, with ample room for both front and rear occupants. The switchgear layout is well-organized and easy to operate. While the dashboard design theme lacks outright rationality, it is acceptable. BMW once championed the importance of ergonomic layout, angling the entire fascia towards the driver. One wonders if this theme could be explored further. The leather seats felt somewhat lacking in lumbar support, leading to slight back fatigue on longer journeys. This is likely a personal issue related to body type, and it's reasonable to assume so.

The suspension is slightly firm but well-controlled. The front suspension, in particular, is superb, eliciting admiration for the car's behavior when turning into corners. The nose seems to dip slightly, the suspension firmly planted, and the car navigates turns cleanly in response to minute steering inputs. One wouldn't be surprised if someone chose to drive a BMW solely for the steering.

However, the rear suspension's tuning, a long-standing issue with Japanese-market 3 Series models, still struggles to absorb bumps on highway expansion joints, resulting in a jarring sensation. Considering the car's character, a smoother response would be desirable.

BMW's diesel lineup is steadily expanding. The Touring, a station wagon for those who prioritize functionality, is particularly well-suited to diesel engines, and the sedan variants already released also make a strong impression. In September 2012, the "X3 xDrive 20d BluePerformance," combining a four-wheel-drive system with a 184ps 2.0-liter turbo diesel, was introduced."X3 xDrive 20d BluePerformance"(5.64 million yen) was launched, a recent memory.

BMW 320d BluePerformance Touring Sport
BMW 320d BluePerformance Touring Sport
Body Dimensions | Length 4,625 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,460 mm
Wheelbase | 2,810 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,520 / 1,560 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 140mm
Trunk Capacity | 495 - 1,500 liters
Weight | 1,620 kg
Engine | 1,995cc Inline 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel
Maximum Output | 135kW (184ps) / 4,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 380Nm (38.7kgm) / 1,750 - 2,750 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain | FR
Suspension Front/Rear | Strut / 5-link
Tires | 225/50R17
Brakes | Ventilated Discs
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 19.4 km/ℓ
Price | 5.11 million yen