The sedan rammed into the gate at about 6 a.m. Wednesday but did not enter the Bucharest embassy compound, The Sandiego Union-tribune reported.
Video of the aftermath showed the car engulfed in flames as security personnel ran through the area.
According to police, firefighters who arrived at the scene were able to put the fire out but the driver died at the scene.
There was no immediate information on a possible motive or other details.
MP/PR