My boss has this and is selling it (for a VERY decent price!). I told him I wanted to drive it before he sold it, so I took it for a ride. All I can say is WOW! Silent, no smoke. Put the throttle about halfway down, and it feels like a turbocharger kicks in. I actually pulled over and pulled up the hood thinking it had to have one in there. The front end lifts (not the wheels) and it just takes off! Get to 60, back off the throttle, and watch the mpg gauge settle at 50 mpg at 60 mph! This thing is a TORQUE-MONSTER!!! I highly recommend anyone who has the opportunity to at least give one a test drive
BMW was having a test drive event when this model came and I got to try it on their test track (parking lot with cones). I got to try the diesel and non diesel and I was impressed as well.
It sure felt like it was turbocharged! I may pop that hood and look again. It was pretty cluttered in there. Maybe I will listen a little closer to see if I can hear them.
I just read the write-up in Car and Driver. It has a small turbo that kicks in first, then a larger one that wakes up a little later, delivering 425 ft/lbs of torque at 1750 rpms!!! THAT is why this car was fun, and surprising! Only 3.0 liters and 6 cylinders.