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BMW’s 320d EfficientDynamics: your questions answered

THE ALL-NEW BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon sets new standards for premium business cars: there’s better economy, less company car tax, but no reduction in driving enjoyment. BMW’s 3 Series product manager, David Cantle, explains to Business Car Manager.
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BMW 320d EfficientDynamics is ideal for small businesses, the BMW 3 Series product manager says David Cantl

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29 April 2010

BMW 320d EfficientDynamics: sets new standards
BMW 320d EfficientDynamics is ideal for small businesses, the BMW 3 Series product manager says David Cantl

THE ALL-NEW BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon sets new standards for premium business cars: there’s better economy, less company car tax, but no reduction in driving enjoyment. BMW’s 3 Series product manager, David Cantle, explains to Business Car Manager.

 

Why are you introducing the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics model now?

Its introduction is intrinsically linked to the taxation system in the UK, answers David Cantle, BMW’s 3 Series product manager.

Due to its sub 110g/km CO2 emissions figure the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon costs nothing in Vehicle Excise Duty and its 13% benefit in kind rank makes it a highly attractive car to own as a small business or corporate customer. This is doubly so for those companies that purchase their staff cars as its tax position means it qualifies for 100% Write Down Allowance in the first year.

What distinguishes the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon from other competitors, some of which offer even lower CO2 and fuel consumption?

None of the very few other models in the market with the same kind of CO2 management and fuel economy is able to offer the same standard of driving dynamics and performance. Those cars are also not premium compact executive segment cars either.

Why didn’t you choose a lower cost BMW 316d or 318d for your EfficientDynamics car?

Because the BMW 320d is actually our biggest selling derivative and the one that most business customers desire for a number of reasons. BMW’s engineering prowess meant we were able to develop a tax-busting derivative yet still maintain our leadership in technology and performance.

What are the customer benefits?

The main benefit – apart from fuel economy being even better than on a ‘normal’ BMW 320d – is the unique balance of efficiency and driving pleasure you really experience in the car. And of course there are major tax advantages to be had in the UK.

Private buyers benefit from the 68.9mpg figure, something that is key with fuel prices at an all time high and no VED to pay. Similarly busienss customer win with the low benefit in kind rate and, for some, the chance to offset the cost of the car against profits in the first year. This should result in contract hire rates being 5% less over 36 months compared to the standard BMW 320d Saloon.

What are the technical differences versus a ‘normal’ BMW 320d?

The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon has a maximum output of 163hp, 21hp less than a ‘normal’ BMW 320d Saloon. It also has optimised aerodynamics thanks to new aero alloy wheels and a 15mm lower body. Far-reaching improvements in efficiency through engine modifications, a modified transmission ratio, special tyres with minimum roll resistance, and a modified gearshift point indicator complete the unique offering.

What’s the point of still offering the normal BMW 320d?

Some customers will want to specify M Sport specification, larger alloy wheels and the demand the higher output of the ‘normal’ car.

How have you achieved the CO2 management and fuel economy?

The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon features a multitude of BMW’s award-winning EfficientDynamics technologies. The latest, so-called centrifugal force pendulum, makes a significant improvement in this case as does giving the car a longer overall transmission ratio on the rear axle and a modified gearshift point indicator. The tyres have reduced rolling resistance and slightly modified aerodynamics also make their contribution.

Read more on the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics

You can read a road test on the new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics here: The BMW that redifines the company car.

For further comment on the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics, read the Editor’s Blog BMW 320d EfficientDynamics: the art of the impossible.

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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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