Weekend roadtest: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Saloon

A tax-busting new BMW has joined the ranks of the executive brand, but it’s a pity its name is not as clear its emissions. BMW UK sales are soaring and the brand is becoming a by-word in value, particularly for hard pressed businesses.
	Sean Green, sales director of BMW UK said at the launch for the new tax busting 3 Series 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon and the introduction of the refreshed 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models, “ In the first quarter of this year our sales have risen by 12 per cent over the same period last year despite the shortage of product we are experiencing for some models such as we are showing today, the recent introduction of the new 5 Series and the arrival of the new X5 in June. So far this year we have sold 24,837 vehicles. In the full year, depending on what happens after the General Election, any possible increase in VAT and the fleet and business market reactions to any changes, we expect to sell around 100,000 BMW units.
"Last year we sold 98,683 vehicles. Currently the UK is the third largest market in the world for BMW but we are likely to be overtaken by China this year.” “Already this year we have received three times the level of new model orders over the same period last year and this means we have reached half of our 2010 sales target and much of this demand has been built around the fleet industry.” He added, “Traditionally our UK sales are split 50/50, half to retail buyers and the rest to fleet, business and user-chooser customers. Fleet orders picked up dramatically last September and have continued to increase so we expect the fleet and business sector to grow their share of our sales to 65 per cent. “This expectation is because many fleet customers during the recession held off changing their vehicles and extended their lease periods. But now it doesn’t make economic sense for them to do that any longer so they are changing their fleets this year. We welcome these four year old BMWs back into the market as our dealers are short of used cars and the residual values are high because of the stock shortage.” Commenting about the headline grabbing new 2.0-litre 320d Efficient Dynamics Saloon with its 163bhp, 380Nm, 109g/km CO2, 68.9mpg performance, Green said this means the new saloon model will have a zero Vehicle Excise Duty cost under the new First Year rate Showroom Tax and will only cost £20 a year in road tax for the second year onwards. The model also offers a low 13 per cent Benefit-in-Kind tax cost for company car users and that will save drivers £500 a year for 40 per cent tax payers. This offers companies a 100 per cent first year write down allowance and expected 5 per cent lower contract hire costs.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Even in these recessionary times the UK is BMW’s third largest market in the World. The Coupe and Convertible models are just having a mid-life update in line with the recent changes made to the Saloon and Touring versions. In addition to a new front end which includes a new bonnet, grille, LED lighting and new rear bumper and lights, the revised petrol and diesel engines offer better fuel consumption, more power, more torque and lower CO2 emissions. All models have increased specification including leather upholstery.
Prices rise by 2.6 to 3.7 per cent but are offset by the added performance, equipment and predicted better residual values. Prices range from £27,845 to £40,385. But arguably more important than these improvements, especially to company car drivers, is the addition to the 3 Series range of the 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon. This new 2.0-litre, four cylinder, turbodiesel engine with 163bhp, 380Nm of torque is the cleanest 3 Series ever with CO2 emissions of just 109g/km. This unit returns an official Combined Cycle figure of 68.9mpg.

The 3 Series in whatever body style offers the most accomplished drive in its premium sector. The balance of the car is superb, the road holding immense and only its current relatively compact interior against the newer and larger Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class models is a consideration for family users with grown up children.
My test car’s real-life first drive fuel economy was 54.3mpg for everyday A road driving.
I am somewhat confused by BMW calling this new addition the 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon. Every single BMW model in there range now has EfficientDynamics technology and there are other 320d versions in the range so there is some confusion in the title of this new version.
I am also impressed that BMW has introduced this tax friendly version without resorting to the usual industry practise of charging more for eco versions. A higher price only pushes BIK tax up for company car users so it is self defeating - well done BMW.
For the record this model is well equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels with EngerySaver tyres, not run-flats, so the ride is not as firm or unsettled at times, it has stability control, cornering brake and traction controls, rear parking sensors, six airbags, air conditioning, electrically operated windows and door mirrors, multi function leather steering wheel, on-board computer and a good sound system.
There is much more included and it remains a fine package. If you want even more then customers can add around £3,000 for the more popular ‘I want’ options but then this increases the taxable price.
MILESTONES.
BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Saloon £27,245.
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, common-rail direct injection with turbocharger, 163bhp, 380Nm from 1,900rpm, 6-speed manual transmission. Performance: 142mph, 0-62mph 8.0 seconds, 68.9mpg (54.3mpg actual), CO2 109g/km, VED £0 First Year rate then £20 per year, BIK tax 13%. Insurance group: 28.
For: Tax savings, lean and green, no compromise in engine performance, no price hike over standard 320d SE version.
Against: The EfficientDynamics labelling when all BMW models have ED technologies, 3 Series smaller for interior space than its Audi A4/Mercedes C-Class compact premium competitors.
© David Miles