Top 3 CO2-Conscious Car Choices | European Cars Vol. 3: Displacement Up to 3.0L
CAR / FEATURES
April 27, 2015

Top 3 CO2-Conscious Car Choices | European Cars Vol. 3: Displacement Up to 3.0L


Best 3 CO2-Conscious Car Choices
European Cars Vol. 3: Displacement Up to 3.0L Class Best 1 - BMW 5 Series 528i Sedan


BMW Takes Consecutive Wins


BMW reclaims the top spot. While Italy and France excel in smaller vehicles, this class was thought to be the exclusive domain of German manufacturers. However, an unexpected contender has broken into the ranks of the two German powerhouses.


By Dai Matsuo




The Pinnacle of Advanced Technology


As seen in Vol. 2, where they ranked first and second, BMW engines proved their strength once again. Taking the top position is the model equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-6 DOHC engine,528iwhich, though slightly obscure, indicates the 5 Series model is powered by a 3.0-liter engine offering efficiency comparable to a 2.8-liter. Equipped with the Double VANOS variable valve timing system, it delivers a maximum output of 204 ps and peak torque of 310 Nm. Features like the brake energy regeneration system and electric power steering enhance performance across the board, including fuel economy, CO2 emissions, and power. In fact, it achieved the 2010 fuel economy standard with a 15% improvement and the 2005 emissions standard with a 75% reduction, becoming the first BMW model to qualify for tax reductions as an eco-car. Following this technologically advanced BMW is, surprisingly, Jaguar.




Jaguar XF 3.0 luxury


Audi S4




While not typically associated with environmental performance, theXFis a strategic model, the backbone of the new Jaguar, meticulously designed to rival German offerings. Although the 3.0-liter engine is largely carried over from the S-Type, it's evident that subtle improvements have been made to its environmental performance.

Also tying for second place is another unexpected sports model: the Audi A4's premium sports sedan,S4The 3.0-liter TFSI engine, equipped with a Roots-type supercharger, produces 334 ps. Despite its high performance, CO2 emissions are kept at 179 g/km. This exemplifies the Volkswagen Group's focus on downsizing engines, successfully balancing high output with environmental performance.




































ModelCO2 EmissionsDisplacementMax OutputMax TorqueFuel EconomyPrice
BMW 5 Series 528i Sedan178g/km2,496cc204ps250Nm11.4km/ℓ (10-15 mode)¥7.15 million
Jaguar XF 3.0 luxury179g/km2,967cc243ps300Nm7.3km/ℓ (10-15 mode)¥6.5 million
Audi S4179g/km2,994cc334ps440Nm30.1mpg¥7.85 million

*CO2 emissions and fuel economy data not available for Japan are based on European specifications.