By Mike Torpey on 2011-07-04 - Driving Force news editor and responsible for organising our daily output. He was staff motoring editor of the Liverpool Echo for 20 years.
BMW signals greater
efficiency
BMW has the important UK business market in mind with the arrival of a new 520d EfficientDynamics saloon model in September.
The car is approximately 10 per cent more fuel-efficient, says the German manufacturer, than the best of its rivals, without reducing the 184bhp or 380Nm of torque developed by the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.
It costs from £30,435 and boasts fuel economy of 62.8mpg and CO emissions of 119g/km, which means a company car benefit-in-kind taxation band of only 13 per cent.
In addition to the standard Start-Stop, optimum gearshift indicator, brake energy regeneration and active aerodynamics, the 520d EfficientDynamics saloon has a longer final drive ratio to reduce engine revs at highway speeds, and low rolling resistance tyres.
It also comes with BMW's new ECO-PRO mode which promotes more economical and comfortable driving at low speeds by adjusting the engine mapping, throttle sensitivity and automatic gearshift points.
The latest BMW range features better economy and increased kit across the line-up and in the case of the Z4 roadster there will be two new engines as well.
An all-aluminium 2.0-litre twin-turbo unit in two guises will appear in sDrive20i and sDrive28i versions of the Z4, replacing the former sDrive23i and sDrive30i models.
For the sDrive20i, the new engine develops 184bhp while the sDrive28i boasts 245bhp and both engines use EfficientDynamics technology to lower fuel consumption and emissions.
Standard equipment will be enhanced across the Z4 range, with all models now receiving Bluetooth and USB audio interface and a fresh equipment package called Design Pure Balance will feature extended Merino leather, anthracite wood and sports seats.
BMW's green credentials continue to increase too, with the X1 xDrive20d EfficientDynamics becoming the cleanest and most economical BMW X product ever.
Powered by a 163bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with a combined fuel consumption of 62.8mpg, CO emissions drop to 119g/km, meaning a company car taxation band of 13 per cent for business drivers. Prices will be from £25,715.
The 5 Series engine range is expanding to 11 derivatives with the arrival of the 520i and 528i models for September, both powered by a new 2.0-litre petrol engine. The 520i SE saloon costs from £31,190 - £1,512 cheaper than the model it replaces - while the Touring is £33,615. The 528i SE saloon is from £33,610 and Touring £36,165.
Drive Performance Control, which allows the driver to fine-tune the ride and handling selecting either Comfort, Sport or Sport+ settings, will also be fitted to all variants along with the ECO PRO mode.
A new special edition offering enhanced standard equipment, alloy wheels and unique upholstery will be available on the BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible models while diesel power will coincide with the launch of the new 6 Series coupe in the shape of a 3.0-litre twin-turbo unit producing 313bhp. Prices are from £62,080 for the BMW 640d coupe while the convertible starts at £68,210.
Flagship saloon the 7 Series benefits from comfort and safety upgrades, new infotainment systems and the option of a new version of BMW Night Vision.
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