BMW reported that it plans to offer a diesel-powered model in the United
States. The company will use a urea-based injection system that it said
will allow the engine to meet emission regulations in states that
restrict diesels, including New York and California. The urea system
will allow the diesel models to be sold in all 50 states. There was no
word on which model may get a diesel.
In a separate announcement, BMW said it will replace the X5 SUV in
the 2008 model year with a new model that will offer seven-passenger
seating. The new X5 is about 6 inches longer and 2 inches wider,
allowing BMW to add a third-row seat. More powerful engines include a
3.0-liter six with approximately 250 hp and a 5.0-liter V-8 with about
367 hp. Options include active cruise control and night vision, plus
advanced traction control. The new X5 should be on sale early next year
in the United States.
