Luxury brands from across the globe have been working hard to offer fuel efficiency and and low emissions without compromising the creature comforts that define the luxury segment. Not only will efficient vehicles quiet some of critics of luxury brands, but they will help keep the American and European regulators from levying heavy fines on inefficient luxury brands.

At this years Frankfurt Auto Show, BMW will be kicking the competition up a notch with a 57 MPG EfficientDynamics version of their current 320d. This new vehicle will emit only 175 grams of CO2/km while having a top speed of 140 mph and making the 0-60 journey in a little over 8 seconds.

The best part is that the EfficientDynamics version won’t be any more expensive than the current 320d. The worst part being that BMW won’t be offering their most efficient car in the United States, where such an efficient option is most in need.

Source: Autopia

There aren’t that many 3 cylinders on the market right now. Fact is, if you think of 3 cylinder engines, you’re probably thinking of the old, discontinued Geo Metro. Now it looks like BMW is willing to try to reinvent the image of the 3 cylinder, though it’s debatable if they will offer the engine option in the US.

According to a UK publication, BMW is working on a 1.35 liter 3 cylinder engine for use in its 1 Series, 3 Series, and Z2 Roadster. These 3 cylinders would not be lethargic, offering at least 163 hp and 140 ft-lbs of torque.

Who knows if this will become reality or not. It seems like a strange step to take for the German automaker, but if they can really squeeze 163 hp out of a little 3 cylinder the engines might make a good fit for their smallest cars.