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BMW has followed archrival Mercedes-Benz's lead to offer a large-capacity six-cylinder turbodiesel engine option in its midsize model.
Boasting 180kW but a V8-rivalling 520Nm, the new 330d is the latest addition to the 3 Series line-up. When it arrives in the second quarter of 2009, it will join the M3 and 335i at the very top of the four-door 3 Series performance tree.
Mercedes' currently positions its C 320 CDi as the top non-AMG model in its C-Class line-up. With 165kW/510Nm the Benz doesn't quite match the Beemer in outright oomph.
At 7.6L/100km, it also misses out on the sub-7.0L/100km fuel consumption related LCT break (more here).
The 330d will, however, slide in under -- allowing the Bavarian marque a potential pricing advantage. Indeed, with an official combined figure of 6.8L/100km, the 330d is more frugal than a 320i (7.9L/100km) yet dispatches the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 6.2sec.
Pricing for the BMW 330d will be announced closer to launch.
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