The BMW 3 Series is one of the most popular company cars here in the UK and the German firm is now offering a sportier design for the popular EfficientDynamics (or ‘ED’) models which should appeal even more to company car drivers.
Based on the recently introduced ED Plus model, the ED Sport, as the name suggests, combines the sporting design characteristics of Sport trim to the efficiency of the 320d ED engine. It’s available in both saloon and estate (named Touring) bodystyles.
Powered by the new 2-litre diesel engine and available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, the new model emits 104g/km of CO2 (manual cars emit 108g/km) which means a 18 percent BIK tax band for the current 2015/16 tax year.
Thanks to an extensive suite of EfficientDynamics technologies, the new BMW 320d ED Sport Saloon has an impressive combined fuel consumption of 70.6mpg, yet still offers 161bhp and 400Nm of torque which enables the car to accelerate from a 0-62mph in just 7.8 seconds for the Saloon and 8.1 seconds for Touring models. The same sprint takes 0.1 seconds longer for both manual cars.
For the Touring models running costs are also very good with a combined fuel economy figure of 67.3mpg (65.7mpg for the manual) and CO2 emissions as low as 111g/km meaning a 20 percent BIK tax band for the current tax year.
The gains in fuel economy and CO2 are largely down to improved Active Air Flaps integrated into the kidney grill and a lowered suspension set-up, both working to improve aerodynamics and overall performance and efficiency.
With a P11D price from £30,150 the new ED Sport will cost a 20 percent company car driver from £95 a month for the current tax year which is very competitive considering the performance on offer from the engine.
Another bit of good news for company car drivers is that the 320 ED Sport comes with more standard equipment with highlights including 17-inch light-alloy wheels, sat-nav, a selection of Dakota leather upholsteries, Sports steering wheel, unique trim finishers and heated sports front seats.
According to BMW, The ED Sport provides an additional £840 of standard equipment for only £500 more than the ED Plus model.
To read our full review of the BMW 3 Series saloon click here.
To read our full review of the BMW 3 Series Touring click here.
