I wonder if the price disparity is regional? I bought our 2014 Limited EcoBoost in Minnesota, slightly used, and it was priced very similarly to comparable V6s but over $10k less than new. (Gotta love people who eat that initial depreciation.)
When we travel, I'm usually 4-5mph over the posted limit, figuring there will be faster drivers to garner unwanted attention. Mileage has varied with terrain. Flat, like Iowa and Nebraska, I saw 31-33.5 mpg. Through Kentucky and Tennessee, almost always up or down hill, I was typically about 26-27.5 mpg. In typical "suburban-type" driving, I am somewhat disappointed with 17.5-19 mpg.
I will say the power output is very good; actually rather astounding from a 2.0 liter in a 4400# vehicle. However, with the power comes a lot of torque steer under heavy acceleration, and a lot of chirping of the tires from a stop, even though I am not stomping on it and supposedly have traction control as part of the AdvanceTrac. I am a bit concerned as to how well this will work in a Minnesota winter, but will know more in a few months. Also, somewhat on this topic, and maybe contradictory, you will want to "get your foot into it" once a while to help prevent carbon buildup on the exhaust valves. This seems to be an issue with all manufacturers' direct-injection, turbocharged engines, including BMW. I use full-synthetic oil, also, just for over-all peace of mind, and have experienced using 1/2 quart of oil between 5000 mile oil changes.
As you would expect, the comfort and quietness is excellent. It looks and drives like a more expensive vehicle than it is. I would buy this again, unless my wife would get over her prejudice and let me buy the BMW X5 diesel I really want.
