We have a very extensive range of BMW models here in Malaysia, but what we have pales in comparison to the models found in Europe and the United States. Despite BMW Malaysia’s best efforts to improve the image of diesel luxury cars, they still haven’t quite developed an equal status an image to their spark-plug equipped brethren.
Overseas though, diesel cars are king thanks to their extreme efficiency and high torque outputs. Buyers are not afraid to buy something such as a 2 series with a diesel engine- there’s no loss of face or image with driving an oil-burning coupe.
BMW is even bold enough to offer their 2 Series coupe and convertible in a 218i form, with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder Twin Power Turbo engine. With 136 hp and 220 Nm of torque, this may not be a particularly spritely car, but market demand will likely be high thanks to the exceptional efficiency of 5.1 litres per 100 kilometers.
More interesting is the 220d xDrive which will be available in select markets from March onwards. This model combines the 190 hp diesel powerplant with the xDrive all wheel drive system to produce a coupe capable of attacking in all conditions. Also on the note of coupes (and grand coupes), the 418d is the latest introduction to the 4 Series lineup, powered by a 150 hp/320 Nm 4-cylinder engine. All 420d variants receive updates in terms of powertrain, with power bumps to 190 hp/400 Nm.
Other powertrain introductions are for the 214d active tourer, which gets a 3-cylinder diesel engine with 95 hp/220 Nm. The 316d variants receive a new diesel 4-cylinder engine with 116 hp/270 Nm, with the option to pair with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission. The 5 Series receives a more powerful version of the engine for the 520d xDrive models, with 190 hp/400 Nm.
It’s unlikely that most of these variants will make it to our shores, but it’s still interesting to note what weird and wonderful combinations people are willing to fork out money for in other parts of the world.
