Author:
ROBIN ROBERTS
A package of new model and engine revisions across the range will be introduced by BMW next month – with the promise of more to come in November with the first petrol EfficientDynamics model with just a 15% company car tax banding.
The changes to the 3 Series Saloon and the 5 and 6 Series ranges significantly broaden BMW’s market coverage in the UK, extending its lead in fuel-saving, emissions-reducing measures while adding to customer choice and personalisation options.
With the arrival of hybrid, four-wheel-drive and M Sport variants of the 3 Series Saloon, BMW offers its most comprehensive line-up ever of the model that is the heart of the brand.
The interesting ActiveHybrid 3 costs from £40,225 OTR and is available in SE, Modern, Luxury and M Sport specification. While not cheap, fuel consumption of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km it attracts only an 18 per cent benefit-in-kind company car taxation rate.
M Sport versions cost £3000 more than the standard BMW 3 Series SE version.
The expansion of the 3 Series range will gather more momentum in November with the arrival of the 316i Saloon and 320i EfficientDynamics Saloon.
Petrol and diesel EfficientDynamics with 15% BIK
The BMW 320i EfficientDynamics is the first BMW to gain the EfficientDynamics badge with a petrol engine, and joins the existing 320d EfficientDynamics in the 3 Series range.
Powered by a 170hp version of BMW’s 1.6-litre TwinPower Turbo engine, it will offer plenty of low down drivability thanks to 250Nm of torque. Based on the SE trim level, the BMW 320i EfficientDynamics will be priced at £25,730 OTR. Fuel economy is 53.3mpg while CO2 emissions are 124g/km, offering business car and company car drivers a company car rate of 15 per cent – exactly the same as the diesel EfficientDynamics model.
The introduction of an extremely tax-efficient version of the 5 Series Gran Turismo, technical enhancements to the rest of the Gran Turismo range and a new ActiveHybrid 5 M Sport are the major changes to the 5 Series range for potential owners.
The BMW 520d Gran Tourismo offers 184hp and 380Nm of torque yet fuel economy of just 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of just 139g/km. This puts it in VED band E while the company car tax benefit in kind rate is 21 per cent.
Standard equipment includes Dakota leather upholstery, an eight-speed automatic transmission, the BMW Business Advanced Navigation system and enhanced Bluetooth telephone functionality with telematics. A panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, Park Distance Control front and rear and automatic tailgate operation are further specification highlights. The 530d Gran Turismo is available in SE or M Sport from £36,605 OTR.
Production of the BMW 650i Gran Coupé will begin in July and at the same time its uprated 4.4-litre V8 TwinPower Turbo engine – delivering improvements in power, torque, performance and efficiency – will replace the existing version in the 6 Series Coupé and Convertible.
If you are thinking about your next car, check out our business car leasing guide and company car advice section to help you make the most informed choice.
