Enlarge imageHot on the heels of announcements about more efficient MINIs comes similar news about lower emission BMW 3 Series Coupés and Convertibles.
The BMW 320d Coupé and Convertible models feature a new version of the four-cylinder diesel engine. Fuel economy is improved by 1.2mpg to 60.1mpg and emissions are lowered by 3g/km to 125g/km. However power is also increased, up 7hp to 184hp with a faster 0 to 62mph time of 7.5 seconds. The Convertible manages 55.4mpg with emissions of 135g/km.
CO2 emissions of the six-cylinder 325d Coupé are lower by 2g/km at 151g/km (with 49.6mpg) and the 325d Convertible emits 160g/km with 46.3mpg.
Consumption and emissions of the top-of-the-range 335i have also been significantly reduced. This has been made possible by combining a single turbocharger with VALVETRONIC variable valve management and High Precision Direct Injection for the first time. This means that the Coupé's fuel consumption is eight per cent lower at 33.6mpg while CO2 output drops by over ten per cent to 196g/km. This results in the 335i dropping down a VED band to J making road tax cheaper. The BMW 335i Convertible also drops a VED band from L to K.
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The 335d Coupé now manages 42.8mpg on the combined cycle, an improvement of 0.6mpg, and 174g/km, again resulting in the car now qualifying for cheaper VED band H.The 3 Series Coupé and Convertible also receive design changes such as new front and rear lights and a revised grille, together with interior enhancements.
All the new engines and models make their debut in the UK market on 20 March 2010 and all conform to EU5 emissions standards.
Prices for the new BMW 3 Series Coupé start at £27,845 for a 320i SE and £30,200 for a 320d SE.
The 3 Series Convertible starts at £32,905 for a 320i SE and £35,115 for a 320d SE.
There's also the introduction of a new diesel engine for the BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring. The 143hp BMW 318d has a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit that achieves 62.8mpg and emits only 119g/km of CO2 in the saloon, with the Touring managing 62.8mpg and 120g/km.
Both models have lowered emissions enough to drop below the critical 120g/km threshold putting them in band C for VED and just 13 per cent benefit in kind taxation.
The 320d, 325d, 335i and 335d variants of the 3 Series Saloon and Touring also receive efficiency improvements, and of course there is the new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon which emits just 109g/km CO2, equating to 68.9mpg.
So just when you thought BMW might be resting after a period of significant emission reductions, we have more progress.
