BMW Announces Quad Turbo Diesel 6 Cylinder Engine, Good For 394 HP / 561 LB-FT

BMW's i-6 diesel turns into a V-8 fighter

By Jens Meiners, BIMMERPOST Correspondent

Even though it has somewhat fallen out of favor on the US market, the diesel engine remains immensely popular in Europe - especially on executive sedans. In the interest of efficiency, BMW (and Mercedes-Benz) dropped out of the business of building V-8 diesels a few years ago - but Audi remained commited to the V-8. BMW's response was the tri-turbo straight-six, offered in the 5- and 7-series and the X5. Now that tri-turbo is being retired. But it makes room for something more awesome: A new i-6 diesel with no less than four turbochargers.

At the Vienna engine symposium today, BMW confirmed its new, top-of-the-line oil burner. The new, top-of-the-line 3.0-liter i-6 will be fitted in the 750d xDrive; other model lines will follow. It will make 394 horsepower from 4000 to 4400 rpm; maximum torque is rated at 561 lb-ft, available from 2000 to 3000 rpm. On the road and fitted in the 7-series, it translates into a 0-60 mph time of around 4.5 seconds; top speed will be governed at 155 mph.

The objectives were clear: More power, better response, high-revving capability, and creating a convincing "V8 fighter." Based on BMW's new modular engine layout, it is testament of that architecture's capabilities. The spectacular design features four exhaust turbochargers - two high-pressure chargers and two low-pressure ones. In terms of turbocharging, the main change was replacing the massive low-pressure turbocharger with two smaller common exhaust turbochargers; they came at a cost advantage and without a weight penalty.

While the engine delivers immediate response and incredible high-end power, fuel consumption has been reduced by around 5 per cent. Maximum torque, by the way, is limited by the capabiliies of the XF 8HP 8-speed automatic. The engine, by itself, could deliver more. No wonder the diesel is so popular in Europe; we applaud BMW's move to raise the bar once more.

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BMW Announces Quad Turbo Diesel 6 Cylinder Engine, Good For 394 HP / 561 LB-FT