Diesel Engine Coming to BMW 5 Series Lineup

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The last time BMW offered a six-cylinder diesel in one of its U.S. passenger cars was the 335d, sold from the 2009 to 2011 model years. Rated at 265 horsepower, the turbocharged diesel engine developed a commanding 425 pounds-feet of torque for impressive off-the-line performance. Six-cylinder diesel versions of the 5 Series already available in Europe offer similar levels of torque.

After years on the margins in the passenger-car segment, diesels are on the upswing in the U.S., and the gains are most apparent in the luxury segment. Audi plans to sell diesel versions of nearly all its passenger cars; BMW hasn’t made that big of a commitment to the U.S. market, but it appears willing to test the waters a little more.