BMW Oz confirms first diesel sedan

BMW Australia’s first diesel sedan is on the starting blocks, with the 530d due to go on sale here by the end of this year.

The 530d will come with an even more powerful version of the 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel that powers the X5 3.0d, which successfully pioneered turbo-diesel technology for BMW Oz.

Delivering 160kW (10kW more than the oil-burning X5) and a neck-straining 480Nm of torque (the same as that offered by X5, but down on European versions).

As such, the 530d sedan matches the power output of BMW’s entry-level 5 Series, the 525i, which recently received an upgraded 160kW/250Nm version of the 2.5-litre six. Similarly, the 530i is now powered by BMW’s latest 190kW/300Nm straight six, as is the new E61 530i Touring.



The 530d accelerates to 100km/h in a lithe 7.2 seconds (claimed) – half a second longer than the 530i.

It also consumes just 7.5 litres of fuel per 100km on the combined EU cycle, compared with the 530i’s claimed average consumption of 9.3L/100km.

But the catch is the 530d won’t be priced lower than its petrol-powered sibling, unlike the X5 3.0d was when introduced. It became an instant hit, quickly comprising up to half of all X5 sales.

At $113,500, the 530d sedan will attract a $4700 premium over its 3.0-litre petrol stablemate - although it will still cost $41,300 less than the $154,900 545i V8 sedan.

* BMW Australia has also announced the same engine will also be made available in the X3 SUV. Offering the same 160kW/480Nm engine outputs, the auto-only X3 3.0d claims 0-100km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds, along with combined EU fuel consumption of 8.6L/100km.