BMW 335d Is 2011 Diesel Driver Car of the Year

When we think of diesels, the first thing that comes to mind is frugal but boring cars. However, BMW has been making some really interesting models aver the years. There’s the 200 hp 123d that’s almost as fast as a Golf GTI, but looks as hot as any other 1-Serires coupe, or diesel 5-Series, which was the first oil-burner Top Gear ever put on their track.

Now though, we are going to talk exclusively about the 2011 BMW 335d was voted the “Diesel Car of the Year” by readers of “The Diesel Driver” at the New York International Auto Show. The award was given as a result of votes submitted from 43 countries around the world. 29.6 percent of the people polled chose the 335d, with 83 percent of those votes coming from the United States.

“The 335d truly is changing the way Americans feel about diesel,” said Paul Ferraiolo, Manager – Product Planning and Strategy. “Fans of ‘The Diesel Driver’ share our passion for the great performance and efficiency of our BMW Advanced Diesels. They are the embodiment of BMW EfficientDynamics.”

Each year, the Diesel Driver’s readers select the Diesel Car of the Year and recognize the top three diesel automobiles offered in the U.S. For the 2011 Diesel Car of the Year, readers chose among 12 passenger vehicles and SUVs. Criteria ranged from fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions to performance, handling, styling, comfort, and the overall package.

According to BMW, the sales momentum for the 335d continues this year, as in the first quarter of 2011, sales were up 34 percent over the same period last year. This comes after the 335d posted an impressive gain of 130 percent for calendar year 2010 when compared to 2009.