BMW 535d Diesel

April 11th, 2008 | review, BMW, diesel

One short ride in a BMW 535d is sure to blow away any preconceptions you might have about diesel engines.

I took a quick spin around the block in a 2007 535d M Sport this week, while at the Green California conference. I flew cross-country for the chance and brought my camera to share the ride.

Now I’ll freely admit … for my entire life, I have succeeded in resisting the lure.

I could never picture myself driving a BMW.

The 535d M Sport diesel changed all that.

With a 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 producing 272 horsepower and a whopping 413 foot pounds of torque, 0-62 happens in 6.5 seconds. With a top speed of 155 miles per hour, this is the real deal. But it’s not just fast … it’s silky smooth.

Inside the cabin, it’s remarkably quiet.

And then there’s the clincher: an estimated 35.3 miles per gallon (MPG) combined.

I feel completely justified lusting after a beautiful fast car that delivers the MPGs …