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2010 BMW 328i vs. 2012 Volvo S60 T5
The 2012 Volvo S60 is supposed to be the Scandinavian answer to the generic German sport sedan. It’s got the looks, for sure, but does it have the sauce?
Powered by a 2.5-liter I5, the S60 makes a solid 250 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. That would be 20 more than the last BMW 328i we tested (a 2010 MY) — the car it’s most desperately chasing. Unfortunately, it’s also got some 200 pounds on the Bimmer and is saddled with an automatic transmission instead of the BMW’s slick six-speed manual.
So as soon as we track tested our new Volvo, we had to see how the numbers stacked up against the base BMW. Follow the jump for the full specs of each to see if, on the track, our Volvo S60 T5 is a true competitor in the sport-sedan market.
………………………..2012 Volvo S60 T5 …………. BMW 328i Sedan
0-30 (sec): ……………………..2.7……………………………….. 2.3
0-45 (sec): ……………………..4.7……………………………….. 4.2
0-60 (sec): ……………………..7.2………………………………. 6.4
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec):..6.9……………………………….. 6.0
0-75 (sec): ……………………..10.5………………………………. 9.5
1/4-mile (sec @ mph): ……15.3 @ 92.5…………………..14.7 @ 94.8
30-0 (ft): ………………………..32…………………………………. 30
60-0 (ft): ……………………….128……………………………….. 126
Skid pad lateral accel (g): ..0.85………………………………. 0.84
Slalom ………………………… 63.6……………………………….. 65.0
Continue reading 2010 BMW 328i vs. 2012 Volvo S60 T5
The new BMW 320d Touring EfficientDynamics Edition: More space, less CO2
114 grams of CO2 per kilometre and 120 kW/163 hp – this relation between emission levels and engine output can only be achieved with BMW EfficientDynamics. BMW has realised it in a premium vehicle of the medium range which also offers a luggage compartment volume of up to 1,385 litres (48.9 cu. ft): the new BMW 320d Touring EfficientDynamics Edition.
The new combination of efficiency, driving pleasure and versatility is possible due to the use of technology for the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions involving a specific engine design. The BMW 320d Touring EfficientDynamics Edition has average fuel consumption of 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres (65.7 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle, thereby clearly leading the efficiency rankings within its vehicle segment.
The new BMW 3 Series Touring model was primarily developed for the markets of Belgium, the Netherlands and France, since in these countries an important tax limit of 115 g CO2/km applies.
When the BMW 320d Touring EfficientDynamics Edition becomes available in spring 2011, BMW will once again underscore its global leadership in the development of dynamic models with a particularly low level of emissions – as was previously the case with the similarly configured Sedan model.
The 5-door vehicle is powered by a 4-cylinder diesel engine of the latest generation with common rail direct injection and turbocharging. Its 120 kW/163 hp all-aluminium power unit provides maximum torque of 380 Newton metres (280 lb-ft) from just 1,750 rpm, accelerating the Touring model in 8.3 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) and on to a top speed of 223 km/h (138.5 mph).
Clear lead within the competitive field: significantly superior dynamic performance and up to 30 grams less CO2 per kilometre thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics.
Continue reading The new BMW 320d Touring EfficientDynamics Edition: More space, less CO2
AutoWeek reviews the 2011 BMW 328i Sports Wagon
One of the most understated BMW models in the US, the 328i Sports Wagon, receives a stellar review from AutoWeek editors. With the removal of the 5 Series Sports Wagon from US line-up, the question remains whether next generation 3 Series will be introduced in the North American market with a sports wagon variant.
“Let’s see, here we have one of the best-driving cars on the planet, with cargo room. Talk about a win-win. I didn’t have a need to use the space behind the second row, but there’s no question that everything that makes the 3-series a great car is evident in this configuration: good power from the I6, steady suspension, precise steering, luxury appointments, rakish styling in a classic wagon configuration and solid build quality everywhere.
It’s almost embarrassing to admit it, but my fixes for this car would center on comfort stuff: I’d like a better radio tuner and cupholders that give me confidence that they’ll hold the cup through a 0-to-60-mph run.”
“COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO-WRIGHT: This is a fine little wagon, although it seems you have to nearly squat to the ground to get in. Getting out is also a bit of a chore, and I hit my head on two separate occasions–and yes, I did duck.”
Continue reading AutoWeek reviews the 2011 BMW 328i Sports Wagon
Cars.com reviews the 2011 BMW 335is
“The Ultimate Driving Machine has never come cheap, and BMW’s newest addition to its 3 Series lineup, the 2011 335is, hammers that tradition home. About $50,000 gets you a stick-shift coupe with vinyl upholstery and a CD stereo incapable of fully integrating your iPod. Genuine leather, heated seats and the other niceties cost more. If BMW ran a steakhouse, it would charge extra for the sides with your filet.
Got beef with that? So did I, until I drove it.
The 335is combines outstanding performance with surprising livability, and the whole package is good enough to justify its high price — for those few who choose to pay it, anyway.”
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Well-Rounded Performance
“Rather than use the 335i’s new twin-scroll, turbocharged six-cylinder, the 335is goes with the old twin-turbo six, with higher turbo boost and bolstered cooling to churn out 320 horsepower and 332 pounds-feet of torque. The car feels palpably quicker than the 300-hp 335i: It spins its rear tires away from stoplights, scoots in the passing lane at 70 mph and bellows a rich, satisfying exhaust note all the way to its 7,000-rpm redline. While the M3′s normally aspirated, 414-hp V-8 packs explosive acceleration at higher revs — and in absolute terms it’s significantly quicker — its comparatively modest 295 pounds-feet of torque means it doesn’t get cooking until the tach needle swings past 3,000 rpm. The 335is has power to spare long before that mark.”
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Continue reading Cars.com reviews the 2011 BMW 335is
BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Gets 1013 Miles on a Single Tank
BMW EfficientDynamics isn’t a mere categorical name to impress the economy craving consumers and it does manage to attain a very high fuel economy with very low emission numbers as reported by famous UK motoring journo Tom Ford.
Tom drove a 320d on a full tank from UK to Munich and back and he managed to travel a whopping 1013 miles. Calculate those numbers a little better and you get 68.9 mpg and do not miss out on the fact that Tom also reported CO2 emissions of only 109g/km. Tom did drive carefully but he mentioned that he wasn’t conscious of the economy run factor and there were times when he even bagged 75.9mpg. He was thoroughly impressed by the 320d as he mentioned that the dubbing EfficientDynamics isn’t merely efficient by its name, only.
Continue reading BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Gets 1013 Miles on a Single Tank
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