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The 2012 BMW 328i Sedan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L engine, good for 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with the optional 8-speed automatic, the 328i delivered an average of just 6.8L/100km over the course of the test.
The 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S punches out a glorious 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbo 4.8L V8. It can reach 100 km/h under 4 seconds thanks, in part, to the traction provided by its all-wheel drive system. I averaged 13L/100km, which is pretty good for such a supercar.
Almost as remarkable was the 14L/100km fuel consumption average obtained in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, which boasts a twin-turbo 5.5L V8 that generates 518 hp and 516 lb-ft.
Last year, I drove a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 350 BlueTEC, which is equipped with a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 that developed 210 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. In my hands, it averaged just 7.9L/100km.
During a recent test of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI, I averaged 7.2L/100km compliments of its 2.0L turbodiesel four that churns out 140 hp and 236 lb-ft.
Matt's test of the 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid, a 380-hp sedan motivated by a supercharged 3.0L V6 and an electric motor, was highlighted by his impressive result of 8.5L/100km.
Even in our recent review of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which is powered by a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 good for 188 hp and 325 lb-ft, we reported an average of 13L/100km, a non-negligible result for companies and fleets.
Without an abusive amount of eco-driving or cruising on the highway at only 60 km/h, these German vehicles delivered great fuel economy. With the help of start/stop systems, alternator decoupling and many other energy-saving techniques, in addition to good old low-rpm torque, it is possible to match or come close to NRCan's published fuel economy ratings.
Yet none of these vehicles sacrifice a great deal of performance or require a change in driving habits to achieve these numbers. That is what's most impressive.
The 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S punches out a glorious 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbo 4.8L V8. It can reach 100 km/h under 4 seconds thanks, in part, to the traction provided by its all-wheel drive system. I averaged 13L/100km, which is pretty good for such a supercar.
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| Photo: Sébatien D'Amour |
Almost as remarkable was the 14L/100km fuel consumption average obtained in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, which boasts a twin-turbo 5.5L V8 that generates 518 hp and 516 lb-ft.
Last year, I drove a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E 350 BlueTEC, which is equipped with a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 that developed 210 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. In my hands, it averaged just 7.9L/100km.
During a recent test of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI, I averaged 7.2L/100km compliments of its 2.0L turbodiesel four that churns out 140 hp and 236 lb-ft.
Matt's test of the 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid, a 380-hp sedan motivated by a supercharged 3.0L V6 and an electric motor, was highlighted by his impressive result of 8.5L/100km.
Even in our recent review of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which is powered by a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 good for 188 hp and 325 lb-ft, we reported an average of 13L/100km, a non-negligible result for companies and fleets.
Without an abusive amount of eco-driving or cruising on the highway at only 60 km/h, these German vehicles delivered great fuel economy. With the help of start/stop systems, alternator decoupling and many other energy-saving techniques, in addition to good old low-rpm torque, it is possible to match or come close to NRCan's published fuel economy ratings.
Yet none of these vehicles sacrifice a great deal of performance or require a change in driving habits to achieve these numbers. That is what's most impressive.