2009 BMW 335d

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What is it?
2009 BMW 335d

What's special about it?
In case you haven't noticed, German's carmakers aren't big on the idea of hybrids. Sure, BMW and Mercedes-Benz collaborated with GM on the two-mode hybrid transmission, but what they would really like to sell you is a car like the 2009 BMW 335d. Yes, that "d" stands for diesel and although BMW already sells several diesel models in Europe, only now has emissions technology advanced enough to get the EPA's seal of approval in all 50 states.

This is a good thing, as the 335d's twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 generates a healthy 265 horsepower. More impressive is the staggering torque output — 425 pound-feet at just 1,750 rpm. So in other words, the 335d's inline-6 generates as much torque as Chrysler's 6.1-liter Hemi V8. It's enough power to get the 335d from zero to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds, BMW claims. All that power doesn't torpedo the 335d's fuel economy, as BMW claims mileage figures of 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

To assure the required exhaust cleanliness, the 335d features a complicated three-piece emissions system which consists of an oxidation catalyst, a diesel particulate filter and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst. It's the injection of what BMW calls AdBlue (otherwise known as ammonia) within the SCR catalyst that makes this engine cleaner than your average diesel.

Such a system has been the subject of some debate for years, as it introduces yet another fluid that needs refilling. BMW says not to worry, as the 335d's two urea tanks should provide enough AdBlue to last until a typical oil change is needed. It will be added as a part of BMW's standard maintenance program, so you're good for the first 50,000 miles. No word on what happens if you don't fill the tanks after the free maintenance period is over.

What's Edmunds' take?
This is the kind of car U.S. consumers need to try before dismissing diesels as just another dirty solution to hybrids. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor