BMW considering 7-Series diesel for the U.S.

According to Jim O’ Donnell, president of BMW of North America LLC, the automaker is considering a diesel version of the new redesigned 7-Series for the U.S. market. About two weeks ago, a couple of U.S. dealers in were in Munich to test drive the new 7-Series – half of the group drove diesel.

“They all told me they wanted it,” O’Donnell told Automotive News. “One or two didn’t even know they were driving a diesel, and they were honest enough to admit it.”

The 730d is powered by a 3.0L straight 6-cylinder diesel engine producing 245-hp and a peak torque of 398 lb-ft. It has an estimated highway mileage of 45 mpg. BMW’s new 33d and X5 xDrive35d go on sale next month and will be available in all 50 states.

2009 BMW 7-Series: