Audi BMW

The BMW 730Ld has been named the 2009 Chauffeur Car of the Year, with the judges highlighting its ‘exceptional’ fuel economy, running costs and luxury as the new benchmarks in its class.

With CO2 emissions of just 180g/km and an combined consumption figure of 40.9mpg, the BMW 730Ld allows professional drivers and chauffeur companies to offer clients considerable luxury, as well as reduced environmental impact.

In winning over the competition, which included the Lexus LS600h and Mercedes-Benz S-class, Mark Bursa, Editor of Professional Driver Magazine and chairman of the jurors, said: “In the end, the new BMW 730Ld triumphed because its exemplary combination of style, finish and operating economics changes the game in its sector. It’s beautifully finished, with a superb, modern interior. BMW has brought its technological might to bear on the ride and handling.”

Stephen Chater, BMW Group Corporate Operations Manager, said: “We are delighted to win this award because the criteria for winning represents everything that BMW is about: building cars of the very highest premium quality that, thanks to EfficientDynamics, are often the most efficient in their sector in terms of emissions, fuel economy and therefore cost.”

The new BMW 730Ld is the integral model in the new BMW Chauffeur Programme that was recently launched to capitalize on the 7 Series’ dominant position in the professional driver’s market. The programme offers competitive contract hire rates, £699 per month based on three years or 60,000 miles including servicing*, enhanced specification packages and predictable running costs.

The KeeResources’ KwikCarCost calculator considers the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY L as 7.51 pence per mile (or 6.3 per cent) more expensive to run than the BMW 730Ld SE over three years or 60,000 miles.

To make this a vehicle for the driver as well as the driven, tailored benefits include BMW Service Inclusive, complimentary on the BMW 730Ld, which lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles and covers all of the vehicle’s basic servicing requirements. As part of the programme, professional drivers are also covered in the event of an immobilisation which cannot be repaired at the roadside. Should this occur and replacement vehicle which is PCO licensed for London, can be provided, giving operators peace of mind that clients will always be catered for to the highest standards.*

BMW also offers complimentary ConnectedDrive telematics and online services for the first three years, which are fully integrated with the vehicle’s navigation and Bluetooth telephone system, for those taking delivery of a Seven through the programme.

Customers can enhance the specification of their car further by opting for the Executive and Executive Plus packages. Giving passengers the luxurious equipment they demand at a competitive cost for the operator, the Executive package features 19-inch light alloy wheels, TV function, Sun protection glass, rear electrically-powered sunblinds, a windscreen with a grey shaded band and front and rear seat heating. The Executive Plus package adds Soft-close doors and driver and front passenger lumbar support to this list.

For more information visit www.bmwcorporate.co.uk/chauffeur

Even prior to BMW’s announcement last year that two BMW diesel powered will make their way into the U.S. market, there have been numerous debates amongst the BMW fans regarding the best suited diesels to be sold on the American market.

Seven-eight moths later and the debate continues, maybe even more intense than ever and we believe a poll will be appropriate to learn more about your preference when it comes to a diesel engine. Before you vote,we encourage you to take into consideration some of the following factor and not only:

1. Is there a market for a specific diesel model?
2. Will it make sense financially to invest into a new marketing campaign to bring awareness to a different type of diesel? e.g a small, very efficient, but less powerful engine
3. Are the U.S. buyers educated enough to see the advantage of a diesel engine over a gasoline powerplant?
4. Will it hurt BMW’s brand if, let’s say, a BMW 316d will be sold in the U.S. market?

These are just some guidelines to help you make an educated choice, but we’ll go even further and name some of the diesel engines that WE believe might be suited to North American market.

BMW 123d Coupe

It is powered by a 2.0 liter four cylinder twin-turbo engine which produces 204 horsepower and 295 lb-ft  of torque (400Nm). Fuel consumptions is rated at 45 mpg, but that doesn’t stop the 123d from running 0 to 62 in only 7 seconds. This is one of the best engine in the diesel line-up and a prime candidate for any market. 

BMW 320d Sedan

Powered by a 2.0-liter four turbocharged diesel engine, the 320d has 175 horsepower underneath its hood and 258 lb-ft of torque (350Nm). The engine delivers an impressive 49 mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 140g/km. 0 to 62 mph is achieved in 8.2 seconds. (Photo Source: TheMotorReport )

BMW 535d

We’re back to the latest 3.0-liter six cylinder turbo diesel engine found in the 335d and X5d as well. Many U.S. based 5er fans have been requesting a diesel powerplant for quite some time now and the rumors of a 535d coming to the U.S. have been going around many times in the past. The diesel engine in the 535d outputs 272 horsepower and an impressive 413 lb-ft of torque (560 Nm) at only 2,000 rpm. 0 to 62 takes just 6.5 seconds and the 535d is rated at 35.3 mpg. While a 520d might be more efficient, we still believe the 5er needs a more powerful engine.

BMW X1 xDrive23d

This BMW’s latest diesel powered model and will launch in the European market in the Fall. It is still powered by the same engine found in the 123d Coupe, but it’s rated at 37 mpg. BMW North America has already announced that the X1 will make it to the U.S. in 2010, but there was no indication on which engines to expect.

These are some of the prime candidates and the ones that make the most sense, but once again, this is just our opinion, so feel free to tell us yours.

Other vehicles worth mentioning, just to satisfy all the BMW groups and buyers, are: BMW 116d Hatchback (not the most marketable car in the U.S, but definitely the most efficient one), BMW 730d, BMW X3 30sd.

If you believe there is a model that we overlooked and which should have been included in our poll, please let us know and we will make the necessary additions.

In conclusion, will the results of this poll change BMW’s plans of bringing new diesel engines to the U.S.? Probably not, but that doesn’t stop us from expressing our opinion.

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