18.1.2013 BMW increases efficiency for 2013

BMW is strengthening its model range from Spring 2013, thanks to an expanded range of equipment and additional engine and drive system variants that will improve efficiency.

The first of BMW's all-electric 'i' brand models will also be launched later in the year – the BMW i3. The i3 battery electric vehicle will combine advanced EV technology, super-lighweight materials and futuristic design styles.

Four new engine variants will be offered for the 3 Series Touring range, one of which will be an upgraded 320d EfficientDynamics engine for those with efficiency in mind. The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Touring will offer a blend of driving pleasure, as expected with a BMW, and much improved fuel economy to keep motoring costs down – at a cost of £29,710 on the road.

The 163hp, four-cylinder diesel unit that will ensure that driving performance is not sacrificed, while the EfficientDynamics technologies, such as optimised aerodynamics, will boost the vehicle's efficiency. Offered with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox, the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Touring returns 65.7 mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 112 g/km CO2. Considering the Touring sized car can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.3 seconds, the CO2 figures and fuel economy are impressive.

The BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch has also had several engine enhancements. The 116i SE has been modified so that it now emits just 125 gCO2/km, a saving of 7 g/km compared to the previous version. This means a BIK rate of just 16% for company car drivers.

The BMW 116d also sees a significant improvement with CO2 emissions falling to just 109 g/km in both manual and automatic versions, a drop of 8 g/km and 10 g/km respectively without any drop in performance. This results in a fall of two BIK bands, making this efficient car even more appealing to both private and company car buyers alike.

The even more efficient BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch range will be on sale from March 2013 priced from just £17,510 on the road for a BMW 114i ES 3-door Sports Hatch.

As well as CO2, the reduction of other emissions is important to BMW – now even more BMW vehicles meet the Euro 6 exhaust emissions standards. When these new models are launched in March, there will be a total of 35 BMW models that will be Euro 6 compatible.

The much talked about i3 model will be launched later in the year, which will use an advanced electric powertrain to produce zero emissions during driving. It will be the first mainstream all-electric car to use carbon reinforced plastics and other smart materials to significantly reduce the vehicle's weight. The i3 will be able to accelerate to 62 mph in under 8 seconds, will have a top speed of 93 mph and a total zero emission driving range of 90 miles.

BMW