Company car drivers benefit from new 320d EfficientDynamics version from launch

BUSINESS drivers will be rubbing their hands with glee – the new compact executive car benchmark, the BMW 3 Series, is revealed today.

More to the point, with a UK launch date of 11 February 2012 the range will feature the company car tax friendly EfficientDynamics model from the outset. And, crucially, the option of an eight-speed automatic version of the EfficientDynamics without any CO2 penalty.

The new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics is part of the range which majors on improving interior space, comfort and luxury, while at the same time losing nothing of the famed ability to deliver BMW 3 Series on-the-road driving pleasure. Or sporting appeal, thanks to its lower and wider appearance.

Oh, and not forgetting the fact the range is now more fuel efficient with the fuel-saving Eco-Pro programme as standard and, thanks to lightweighting build technology that sees a 50kg weight reduction, more agile and responsive, too.

And all that in a car that has grown in length by 93mm, and with a longer wheelbase, offers greater interior passenger space, particularly in the rear.

So what 3 Series models do we get at launch?

There will be two petrol engines, both with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology: a four-cylinder 328i; and a six-cylinder 335i engine.

More importantly to small business owners and company car drivers, though, are the 184hp 320d model and 163hp 320d EfficientDynamics, which feature longer gear ratios, reduced friction components and revised electronics to generate an astonishing 68.9mpg fuel consumption and just 109g/km CO2.

Previously only available as a manual, the 320d EfficientDynamics will also be available with the new eight-speed automatic transmission – whilst retaining the same 109g/km emissions level.

While the these fuel and CO2 levels are not new, they have been achieved in a car that is bigger and more luxurious – and still qualifies for 100% first year capital allowances. The benefit in kind company car tax banding for 2011/13 will be just 15%.

What about the model choices?

For business owners or SME company directors, if you want to go bespoke on your new 3 Series you can.

There are more trim levels than ever before on a 3 Series – there’s six – and a wide range of packages and individual options to add to the already increased standard specification of every model.

Company car drivers will already be familiar with the ES, SE and, in 2012, M Sport designations of the current 3 Series. Bu the new 3 Series also introduces the ‘Lines’ theme that we first saw on the all-new BMW 1 Series (see New BMW 1 Series hits 99g/km).

So there will also be Sport, Modern and Luxury models, each with a distinct character. BMW says that even the trim on the key fobs differs between the various versions.

Company car drivers will probably hone in on the ES and SE, while SME owners and directors are more likely to opt for Sport and M Sport or the exclusive and sophisticated premium executive saloon image offered by the Modern and Luxury ‘Line’ themes says BMW.

So what do you get on the new 3 Series?

Standard specification includes alloy wheels, automatic air-conditioning, Bluetooth, BMW Professional radio with 6.5-inch colour screen and iDrive, keyless starting, USB, a multi-function leather steering wheel, cruise control and automatic boot opening.

SE adds rear Park Distance Control, two-zone air conditioning and a rain sensor with automatic light activation, for a premium of £850. Sport and Modern versions are priced £1,000 above the equivalent SE, while the difference between SE and Luxury is £2,500.

Sport models get their own unique features, including special alloys, while Luxury models offer a refined and sophisticated appearance with an enhanced level of standard equipment.

Among the options are Head-Up Display, which shows current speed limits, the car’s speed and turn-by-turn instructions when a BMW navigation system is fitted; Internet access via mobile telephone; and BMW’s new Real Time Traffic Information service, which delivers faster, more accurate warnings of traffic hold-ups (see BMW the first with new jam-busting technology).

The new BMW 3 Series Saloon appears in public for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2012. It is scheduled to go on sale in the UK a month later, on 11 February 2012.

What will it cost?

BMW 328i Saloon, from £29,060 245hp, 350Nm torque, 0-62mph 5.9s, 44.1mpg (44.8), 149g/km CO2 (147)

BMW 335i Saloon, from £35,525 306hp, 400Nm torque, 0-62mph 5.5s, 35.8mpg (39.2), 186g/km CO2 (169)

BMW 320d Saloon, from £28,080 184hp, 380Nm, 0-62mph 7.5s, 62.8mpg (64.2), 120g/km CO2 (118)

BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon, from £28,080 163hp, 380Nm torque, 0-62mph 8.0s, 68.9mpg (68.9), 109g/km CO2 (109)

(Figures in brackets = eight-speed auto)

Read more about new 3 Series prices and new hybrid model New BMW 3 Series prices to start at under £25,000; hybrid to follow.

More pictures of the new BMW 3 Series Go to the Business Car Manager Facebook page.

Watch a video of the new BMW 3 Series