Having previously only really dabbled in U.S.-market diesels, BMW says they're going for oil burners in a big way starting with the 2014 BMW 328d. It's huge on torque and fuel economy.
The last 3-Series with a diesel engine was the 335d, which was an insanely overpowered and remarkably fuel-efficient six-cylinder turbo engine.
The 328d goes in a bit of a different direction, having a 2.0-liter turbo four good for 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. That's an impressive number, as is the estimated mileage: as much as 48 mpg. Not bad, BMW. Expect this one to come in rear- or all-wheel-drive form.
More good news on the diesel front: BMW will bring a six-cylinder diesel to the 5-Series this year. If it's anything like the obscenely torque-tacular six in the old 335d, you can count me as a fan for sure.
Also on hand at New York was the debut of the 3-Series GT, the slightly longer, slightly taller hatchback version of the 3-Series sedan. Power will come from either the 240-horsepower four or the 300 horsepower six.
Frankly, this car surprised me a bit. I'm not a big fan of the way it looks, but it's much smaller in person than it appears in photos. I think it's aimed at people who want a 3-Series but need something a bit bigger and taller than the wagon, but don't want an SUV.
BMW says this car will "define the segment" the way the original X5 did for performance-oriented SUVs. Translation: if this takes off, expect a lot of copycats.