BMW of North America has announced that the prices for its BluePerformance diesel-powered vehicles will start at $44,725. The 335d sedan and X5 xDrive35d Sports Activity Vehicle will make their North American debuts at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

BMW is calling the launch the start of 'the era of BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance.' The BluePerformance Diesel is an all-new inline six-cylinder twin-turbo engine. The 3.0-liter common-rail diesel has an exhaust particulate filter and Selective Catalytic Reduction to reduce NOx emissions. It makes 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. BMW said the X5 xDrive 35d gets 26 mpg on the highway and has a driving range of 585 miles on a tank of fuel, while the 335d gets 36 mpg on the highway and has a 580-mile driving range. Fuel economy estimates are preliminary, the automaker said.

The 335d Sedan is priced at $44,725, including destination, and the X5 xDrive35d Sports Activity Vehicle is priced at $52,025 including destination. Both vehicles are eligible for the IRS's Alternative Motor Vehicle tax credit — up to $900 for the 335d and up to $1,550 for the X5 model.