BMW announces 335d and X5 xDrive35d pricing

BMW announced pricing for its all-new 2009 diesel models during a live webcast today. Fitted under the hood

of the 335d and X5 xDrive35d will be a 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel rated at 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque

(BMW's own flagship 6.0-liter gasoline V12 barely tops it with 444 lb-ft). The torque precludes BMW from

fitting a 6-speed manual to the engine, so both models will arrive with a 6-speed Steptronic automatic. The

sedan will sprint to 60 mph in just over six seconds with the SAV adding about a second to the time. Base

MSRP for the BMW 335d will be $44,725 (the price includes destination fees), while the base MSRP for the X5

xDrive 35d will be $52,025 (including fees). Both vehicles will qualify for the IRS Alternative Motor

Vehicle Tax Credit, though the exact amount has yet to be determined. For comparison's sake, the 2009 VW

Jetta TDI gets a tax credit of $1,300 while the Mercedes-Benz GL320 BLUETEC gets $1,800. The first shipment

of vehicles will arrive at dealers before the end of the year. However, we'll be driving the 335d during the

LA Auto Show next week and will be sure to post our impressions as soon as possible.