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The BMW 330d Coupe is in my estimation a most handsome vehicle.
Stylish, yet solid. Classic and modern. Lean, but with a great rear end. Qualities we have come to expect from BMW and that attracted the admiring glance of man and woman alike. However, the admiration was to diminish in a chorus of “oh, it’s a diesel…”
I have never understood Australia’s aversion to diesel powered passenger vehicles; having driven the 330d with M Sports additives I was completely oblivious to its preferred fuel. There was nothing about the performance of this car that suggested it was anything other than a sports coupe.
The 330d looks like a sports car and performs like one. This coupe is fast off the line and delivers plenty at the top end. In fact the top end is where I was most impressed by its acceleration; a quick squirt and it raced from 70 to 110kph in a matter of seconds.
The 330d also offers an extremely comfortable drive in so many departments. The beautifully crafted leather seats hug you securely while still offering armchair comfort. The steering wheel is incredibly tactile and you rarely need to let go. The interior controls are where ergonomists strive, requiring a minimalistic diversion of thumb or forefinger.
The simplicity of the standard BMW central joystick allowed access to all features of the LCD display including audio and GPS. And it was without the use of the owner manual (later found under the passenger seat) that I easily commanded the central control, allowing a sweet voice to direct me to the nearest golf course and hotel.
There were plenty of little things that made driving this car just a touch special. For starters, there’s the seat belt butler, an arm that extends to deliver the strap to save you turning – it is either the greatest automotive invention of the 21st century or the silliest.
Other unexpected delights will also put a smile on your face, such as the passenger side mirror that tilts down so that you can see the curb when reverse parking – clever! The parking sensor display on the LCD offers a colour-coded, fluid visual as you approach an object, although this only seemed to activate in reverse.
For me, the most impressive aspect of the interior was the view of the exterior. I have driven what may be considered class competitors and have regularly found visibility to be lacking. The BMW’s view of the world was all-inclusive, to the point where even the A pillar were almost invisible. The only downside to visibility was that of the speedo from my driving position. The steering wheel blocked out numbers 75-120 on the dial - fine in city traffic but fraught with danger and speeding fines on the freeways. Then again I have experienced the same issue in much larger sedans.
I knew I was falling in love with this car because I had to be pedantic to find fault. I also knew that my affections would not be returned for this BMW was in love with another – bitumen! The 330d Coupe loves roads - long straight ones and tight twisty ones. It hugs each one in the same manner a Nan hugs grandchildren, full of care and security. There was one moment when we hit the freeway I swear I heard the car blow a kiss. It may have been the hiss of the turbo but I truly can’t be sure.
While on this freeway to the Blue Mountains I noticed the oddities of diesel power. The engine is very quiet compared to a petrol engine and doesn’t deliver the exhilarating growl through the exhaust that reverberates up into the drivers seat. The 3-litre turbocharged diesel offers a slightly different engine tone when accelerating but let me assure you it still produces that wonderful feel of G force that nudges you deeper into the leather seats.
The other surprise was the tachometer that red lined at 4800rpm – it’s at this point you’ll realise I’ve never driven a diesel before. Research told me that diesel engines have low torque therefore the lower revs and hence a better fuel economy, around 8 litres per 100kms in the city. And I do believe diesel is less expensive than petrol at the pump.
So why the disparaging comments about diesel powered vehicles? In some parts of Europe you’ll be run out of town if the locals hear you driving a petrol powered engine. Better fuel economy, lower emissions, cheaper fuel and all the performance you’d expect from a sports car.
I’m sorry but it’s time all you petrol heads out there changed your tone.
By Greg Norlens
at a glance
BMW 330d Coupe
Engine: 6 cylinder diesel delivering 180kw @ 4,000rpm
Torque: 520Nm/1,750-3,000rpm
0-100kph: 6.1 secs
Max speed: 250kph
Kerb weight: 1540kg
Length: 4,580mm
Fuel tank: 61 litres
Fuel economy: 8l/100km (city), 5.2l/100km (highway)
Other features: Seatbelt handover, Park Distance Control, Dynamic Stability Control.
RRP: $98,900
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