Jeremy Ross Media

My top choice for a performance car that has superb fuel econmy would be the BMW 335d bi-turbo diesel, the most efficient car BMW has sold here since the 1960s. The 335d is officially considered a fuel-sipper car by the Feds. Federal rebates and tax credits for fuel efficient vehicles were and may still be available — up to $4500 rebate and $900 tax credit. It’s conservatively rated 23 city / 36 MPG hwy,  but both CleanMPG and MPG-O-Matic reviewers blew those numbers away, squeezing out 43 to 49+ MPG on the open road.

“The 335d presents a paradox. It isn�t just fuel efficient. It�s downright fast, with a stated 0-60 MPH time of six seconds flat.”

“We put over 750 miles on our Alpine White 335d review unit, and vanquished the official estimates, scoring an average of 43.9 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 35.1 MPG combined.”

http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=202194

http://www.mpgomatic.com/2009/03/13/2009-bmw-335d-mpg-review/

Why haven’t we always driven diesels if they’re so slick? Because diesels like this didn’t exist. New catalyst technology and urea injection combined with low-sulfur diesel fuel means that the 335d is a car that at last meets emissions standards in all 50 states; past diesels couldn’t be sold in CA or NY due to tougher emissions laws. Diesel also used to cost more than premium but is currently priced lower than regular gas. Despite good reviews, they’re having trouble selling them in the US, probably because the diesels we’ve known were rattly, slow, left-lane bandits belching clouds of black smoke. Americans just aren’t used to clean, fast, high-mpg diesel cars.

Dealer Page:
http://www.socalbmw.com/Vehicles/2009/3/335dSedan/default.aspx

Glowing reviews:
http://www.automobilemag.com/green/reviews/0901_2009_bmw_335d/index.html

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2008-11-20-bmw-335d_N.htm

http://reviews.cnet.com/sedan/2009-bmw-335d/4505-10865_7-33567166.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4lrYDGUB5Y

http://reviews.cnet.com/sedan/2009-bmw-335d/4864-10865_7-33567166-1.html?tag=mncol;uo

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AFTERWORD:

My green SUV choice would be the Lexus HS 250 H hybrid. It’s like a Prius that attended Princeton. It doesn’t beat the BMW though:
http://www.autotropolis.com/buying-guides/green-cars-guide/comparison-review-lexus-hs-250h-vs-bmw-335d.html
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