Sibling Rivalry: BMW 330d Versus BMW 335i

MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – July 16, 2009: BMW’s new 330d has turned up to the burgeoning 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel luxury sedan segment with one eye on the competition and the other on its big brother 335i.

The 330d certainly has strong credentials to take on accomplished rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz C 320 CDI and Audi A4 3.0 TDI Quattro.

Boasting more power and torque than both, as well as being the lightest on its feet with a kerb weight of just 1,550 kilograms, the 330d is an excellent example of the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy.

Neither German rival can beat the BMW 330d for acceleration, fuel consumption or carbon dioxide emissions.

But thanks to its impressive pricing, which starts at $87,250, the 330d may also create a stir within the family, challenging its big brother 335i for the attention of six-cylinder 3 Series aficionados.

For the first time, BMW buyers can choose between a petrol and diesel powered six-cylinder 3 Series Sedan.

The twin turbo 335i Sedan trumps the 330d decisively in outright acceleration, sprinting from 0-100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, compared to 6.2 seconds.

However, the 330d hits back with a better combined fuel consumption figure of 6.8-litres, compared to the 335i’s 9.6-litres.

The 335i leads the peak power contest 225 to 180 kW. Sporting a handy 520 Newton-metres of torque however, the 330d delivers strong V8-like driveability much admired by Australian buyers.

The 330d enters the fray with keen pricing, aided by the luxury car tax concession, however the 335i counters with more standard equipment, including 18-inch light-alloy wheels, television, voice control, 12 gigabyte hard drive for music and three dimensional navigation.

“The arrival of the 330d could set up an internal family battle for the hearts and minds of six-cylinder 3 Series buyers,” says BMW Group Australia’s general manager of marketing, Tom Noble.

“For us it’s like a parent who can’t, and shouldn’t, choose a favourite.

“The 330d and 335i are both very different, each with their respective strengths.

“Whilst we love them both, luxury sedan customers for the first time can choose which suits them best,” he said.