Using the EPA's formula to calculate annual fuel costs, driving a 335d will save its owner $550 a year compared with the GS 450h. Add the 335d's $12,650 lower sticker price, and the case for diesel s [FIMG=LEFT]http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2009_BMW_335d.jpg[/FIMG] LANSINGSTATEJOURNAL - July 27, 2009 Diesel efficiency is no strange phenomenon to us hypermileers --Ed. You can fool most of the people most of the time - particularly when you're talking about diesel engines and hybrid cars. Most Americans never think of diesels. If they do, it's certainly not as an alternative to eco-friendly and technically advanced gasoline-electric hybrid cars. A new generation of high-mpg, low-emissions European diesels coming to the United States could change that, thanks to sticker prices that are lower and Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy ratings that are higher than many competitive hybrids. The outstanding 2009 BMW 335d sport sedan and Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI are among the first to hit the road. They make a strong case that hybrids may not be the best way to lower your fuel bill, reduce oil imports and help save the environment. The 335d's EPA fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway dwarf the Lexus GS 450h luxury hybrid's 22 mpg city/25 mpg highway rating. BMW's smooth and powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six engine also produces more torque at lower engine speeds than the bigger Lexus sedan's triple play of a 4.5-liter V8, battery pack and electric motor. Prices for a 335d start at... [RM]http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090727/NEWS03/907270323/1004/NEWS03[/RM]
