Is BMW USA planning on bringing the 2013 BMW 320i Sedan to the US?
BimmerTimes spotted two BMW 3 Series Sedan F30 cruising around in Los Angeles (see video below) with camouflage covered front and rear bumpers. What’s interesting is that both cars had single-exit single-tip exhaust sticking out of the left rear bumper. Clearly a trait of the European model BMW 320i Sedan or 320d sedan. We are leaning more towards the gasoline engine 320i powered by a 2.0 liter twin scroll turbo-charged inline 4 cylinder producing 184 hp. This engine is similar in many ways to the N20 engine producing close to 240hp that powers the 2013 328i.

Stricter fuel economy measures in the United States may be the reason behind BMW’s decision to start testing the 320i on our shores. Keep in mind that last time a 320i-badged BMW existed in the USA was in the form of an E21 back in the early 80’s. Car manufacturers are scrambling to offer fuel efficient vehicles along side gas gulping monsters. Therefore, we gladly welcome the 320i if cars like the 560+ hp M5 can also exist in the future.

New laws by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require car manufacturers to reach a corporate fuel economy average of 54.5 mpg across their individual fleet of new vehicles by 2025. In the mean time, the requirement is for them to reach 37.8 mpg corporate average by 2016.

Only time will tell if that car is the 320i or 320d. Regardless of which, BMW like all other car manufacturers, will be forced to offer fuel efficient alternatives to their customers to meet the agreed upon regulations.

 

Tags: , , ,