BMW BLOG

Ward’s Automotive Group announced its 2009 10 Best Engines list and BMW takes two of the top ten spots. The already double award-winning 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine takes one of the spots and the newly US launched, the 3.0 liter turbocharged diesel engine found in the 335d is the other winner.

A great recognition again for BMW and good PR for the new diesels launched in the US. With an impressive MPG average and still keeping the joy of driving, the 335d is BMW’s bet for next year. An increased diesel awareness will be beneficial for the automakers that are looking more and more into developing cleaner and more efficient engines.

We had a chance to drive the BMW 335d at the L.A Auto Show and we were quite impressed with it. 

On Ward’s list, surprisingly we see the Audi four cylinder 2.0 liter TFSI engine, but none of the Mercedes-Benz engines made the cut. It’s great to see some American based automakers in there and of course, the usual Japanese “suspects” -Honda and Toyota -are in the top ten.

The winners for 2008 (engine and tested vehicle):

• Audi AG: 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)
• BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)
• BMW AG: 3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (335d)
• Chrysler LLC: 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
• Ford Motor Co.: 2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
• General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
• Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
• Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.: 4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
• Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
• Volkswagen AG: 2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI) 

You can read more about the list here