Skip advert
Advertisement

Sportier BMW 320d ED confirmed

BMW is preparing to explore a new niche with a 320d EfficientDynamics Sport, capable of 70mpg despite big wheels and extra kit

BMW will introduce a new 320d ED Sport model when the facelifted 3 Series goes on sale later this year. It’ll offer all the kit of a high-spec Sport model, coupled to the low running costs of BMW’s most efficient diesels.

BMW 3 Series facelift: full details  

A company insider told Auto Express this week that BMW is planning to reveal a Sport model of its most economical diesel 3 Series – complete with 17-inch alloy wheels, sporty styling and body-hugging seats. Despite the athletic additions, it’ll return more than 70mpg and emit just 103g/km of CO2. It’s believed both automatic and manual options will be offered, with the manual emitting slightly more CO2.

Before now, BMW only offered one EfficientDynamics model in the 3 Series range, engineered purely for rock-bottom running costs. The facelifted version will emit just 99g/km – but only when matched to the smaller alloy wheels and energy-saving low rolling resistance tyres.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best executive cars  

We asked our inside source whether we could expect a similar model to appear in the 5 Series range, but they insisted the company had no such plans at this time. The 116d ED will suffer the same fate – though if the 320d ED Sport is a runaway success, we shouldn’t have to wait long for copycat variants to arrive.

The Sport trim already exists on the 3 Series range, with buyers of non-ED models able to spec it for around £300 extra over and above the basic SE. All BMWs now get sat-nav, DAB radio and eCall as standard, with the Sport adding bigger wheels, high gloss black trim and black exhaust pipes. Inside, Sport buyers get a set of sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel and contrasting red stitching throughout.

Best company cars  

Cars without the optional adaptive dampers still get Sport and Sport+ modes, but this does nothing to the affect suspension settings – only adapting the throttle and steering response for a sportier driving experience. Given the current premium for a Sport model, we expect the 320d ED Sport to cost around £31,000 when it goes on sale later this year.

Now read all about the new 3 Series facelift here.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the our team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best cars for £15,000 or less
Best cars for £15,000 - header
Best cars & vans

Best cars for £15,000 or less

Spending around £15,000 doesn’t get you much in the new car market these days, but it can land you a brilliant used model
18 Mar 2024
Best rear-wheel drive cars 2024
Best rear-wheel drive cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Best rear-wheel drive cars 2024

Rear-wheel drive is often praised as the drivetrain that delivers the most fun. Here are 10 cars that do exactly that
15 Mar 2024
Best cars for £30,000 or less
Best cars for £30,000 or less - header image
Best cars & vans

Best cars for £30,000 or less

Got a budget of £30,000 to spend on a new car? You may want to check out these excellent used buys first
7 Mar 2024
Best new car deals 2024
Best new car deals - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new car deals 2024

Thinking of buying a new car? These are some of the best new car deals on the market right now…
26 Jan 2024

Most Popular

“MG is easily outselling Jaguar, Land Rover and Bentley combined”
Opinion - MG4
Opinion

“MG is easily outselling Jaguar, Land Rover and Bentley combined”

The wave of Chinese cars has arrived in the UK, and Mike Rutherford thinks it’s not about to stop any time soon
17 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: breathtaking Lotus Emira V6 for £45k and an I.O.U.
Lotus Emira - driving
News

Car Deal of the Day: breathtaking Lotus Emira V6 for £45k and an I.O.U.

Our Deal of the Day for 15 March is a half-now, half-later plan for the last-ever petrol-powered Lotus sports car
15 Mar 2024
New Audi A5 Sportback and Avant: prices, specs and info on sleek new compact execs
New Audi A5 Avant - exclusive image
News

New Audi A5 Sportback and Avant: prices, specs and info on sleek new compact execs

The new ICE and hybrid Audi A5 is due by year’s end in hatchback and estate forms
15 Mar 2024