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BMW 1 Series Coupe: the performance business coupe

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29 October 2007

BMW 123d Coupe road test report

BMW 123d 2.0 M Sport Coupe

BMW 123d 2.0 M Sport Coupe

What is it?

Following the launch of 1 Series three- and five-door hatchbacks comes BMW’s latest: a 1 Series Coupe. There’s the choice of a Porsche Cayman beating 135i M Sport petrol model. Or two diesels: a 120d, and this twin turbo 123d version. It’s the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder diesel: there’s 204hp. Yet, astonishingly, it will return over 54mpg. Sounds like the perfect business car.

What’s hot?

  • Truly effortless pace from twin turbo engine
  • Yet easy to drive in town using all the low-down pulling power
  • Supple ride adds to composure
  • Quality of materials – feels special to drive
  • Fuel-saving EfficientDynamics gives 54.3mpg economy
  • All that performance – yet only an 18% tax banding

What’s not?

  • Initial braking performance too sharp
  • Foot rest fouls clutch foot
  • Tight to get into the rear two seats…
  • …and it remains tight in the rear for headroom

What you need to Know?

P11D Value: 26, 125
Monthly Rental*: 444
Tax Band when posted: 18%
Monthly BiK: 78.50 (20%)/£157 (40%)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl twin turbo diesel
CO2 Emissions: 138g/km
Power/torque: 204hp/400Nm
Economy: 54.3mpg

Monthly rental courtesy of HSBC DriverQuote. Based on 36-month/30,000-mile contract hire agreement with maintenance.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

Not everyone will be convinced by the styling – but what’s without question is the 123d Coupe’s brilliant combination of outright pace, sports handling, and outstanding fuel economy – thanks to BMW’s fuel-saving EfficientDynamics programme. Add in low tax bills and the car makes a compelling sports coupe business car choice.

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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