BMW will be displaying its new 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition 3 Series sedan in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Like the majority of BMWs sold in Europe, this BMW will feature a diesel engine, something Americans are not accustomed to seeing in BMWs. What’s most impressive about this agile sedan is the 57.4 mpg it achieves on Europe’s combined driving cycle, without sacrificing much in performance.

Powering the Efficient Dynamics Edition is a turbo version of BMW’s current 2.0 liter diesel. The turbo develops 163 horsepower at a low 3,500 rpm and 265 lb-ft of torque at an even lower 1,750 rpm. Acceleration is respectable for such a fuel miser, reaching 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.2 seconds and topping out at 140 mph. Emission are quite low too; the CO2 rating is 109 grams per kilometer in the EU test cycle, besting the less powerful 316d. For comparison, the M5 pumps out 348 grams/km.

To help tune the car for even greater mileage, the 320d is mated to a six speed manual transmission with a taller final gear. The 2.0 liter diesel is all aluminum and features variable intake geometry on the turbo, direct injections with piezo injectors, and a two-mass flywheel incorporating a centrifugal-force pendulum. The pendulum is intended to reduce vibrations from the diesel engine at low rpms and allows the driver to use the high power output of the engine at low rpms without the annoying vibrations and noises of previous diesels. The 320d also features an Auto Start Stop function, which switches off the engine during short stops in traffic, eliminating consumption while idling at traffic lights. Even the wheels aid in the efficiency, the custom Aero wheels with a turbine design reduce the drag coefficient to 0.26.

Unfortunately for U.S. consumers, BMW markets its cars stateside as high performance vehicles, meaning this efficient diesel won’t make it to our shores anytime soon. The 320d still handles and drives like any other high performance 3 series, but BMW doesn’t believe that the 8 seconds 0-60 mph straight line performance is enough to uphold the brand’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” image.

News Front  |  BMW Models  |  Frankfurt Show Preview: BMW Vision Concept