By: Stephen Daubert

No more do you have to subject yourself to beige foo-leather, boring body lines and people passing you in huge SUVs because you decided to get a car that is slow and fuel conscious. BMW has dissected the problem of fuel efficiency related to boring cars and asked, why does one have to make an unappealing slow car just to be economical? I have always been puzzled by the automakers falling into the same trap of designing eco friendly cars as bland, uninspiring boxes. 

BMW has developed a gamut of vehicles that cater to a broad spectrum of customers, from enthusiasts to dignitaries, but their focus has never solely been aimed at developing a fuel sensible car until now. BMW has tested the waters with their hydrogen 7 series, but, that was only a teaser for what they had in store. The new 328xi is the first car that truly holds an identity of fuel economy and fun rolled into a tight bundle that will strike as fast as a rattle snake. Most Hondas and Toyotas give you great fuel economy but compromise the performance to achieve such a goal. At a touch of a button the new 328xi silently shifts into EcoPro which turns you into a hyper miler without having to change your driving habits. EcoPro uses engine management software to adjust transmission shifts according to your driving style to maximize mileage. 

The 328xi could be considered a sleeper and with the flip of a switch into sport mode you will buzz past the other fuel efficient drones. With a 240 horsepower, 4 cylinder twin power turbo, the 328xi has enough grunt to keep you safely in the fast lane. It's this sense of fun at your finger tips that expresses the 328xi's identity as a fun yet fuel efficient car. Very few cars possess a split personality, most are terrible, but the new 3 series displays both personalities of fuel efficiency and fun, proudly. Going on a spirited drive through the mountains can be costly with most other automakers, but testing the rear-wheel bias suspension through the curves will not break your bank account with the 328xi. It offers the unique ability to be both fuel conscious and race worthy with just the switch of a button.