A big thank-you to our personal leasing customer, from Doncaster, for sending through pictures of their new BMW 4 Series. The CarLease UK recently ran a stock / allocation based deal on this car which proved to be incredibly popular in the market.
What was perhaps a little more surprising was the demand for petrol-based engines on the car (the 420i and 430i).
With political and economic pressures seemingly turning customers away from diesel it is going to be interesting as to how manufacturers are going to react to a changing marketplace. The demonization of diesels has, in our opinion, led to a significant amount of confusion and the Government has really failed to back up its critique with a realistic proposition as to how we should run our vehicles moving forwards.
Additionally, manufacturers like VW are fighting back with empirical evidence to show that a diesel engine is no more polluting that a petrol engine, which only adds further consideration (and confusion!).
In an effort to assist customers, what we suggest is that you procure a vehicle which meets your needs and requirements. If you are covering 8,000 miles or less per annum and are involved in start/stop town and city driving, it does suggest that a petrol-based engine will be suitable. Or, should your budget afford this, consider a petrol/electric (PHEV) or fully electric vehicle.
With “eco” vehicles you have to consider that these are simply more expensive and so while you will have a far less polluting vehicle (and perhaps save money on fuel), you will pay more per month for this type of vehicle.
You will also have to deal with practical realities of this type of vehicle – i.e. you need to charge it regularly! For drivers covering 20,000 miles per annum or more and who embark on motorway style driving, a diesel engine is still a pragmatic route forwards. In particular, as the DPF will become hot enough to clear the harmful emissions, you are not running into the cost / time issues of having to clear this facet of your vehicle. Added to that is that modern Euro 6 diesel engines are efficient and the MPG you will attain will be significantly better with a diesel in comparison to a petrol vehicle.
To summarise, be careful what you read and ensure you do your research based on how you actually drive before purchasing / leasing your next car.
In terms of the car shown here, the BMW 4 Series Gran Diesel Coupe 430d M Sport 5dr Auto (Professional Media), this is based on the following configuration:
· Brushed aluminium trim with black high gloss finish
· Dakota leather – Black
· 18″ Double spoke alloy wheels – style 400M
As standard the car includes 18” alloys, professional media, cruise control, LED headlights, Bluetooth, leather upholstery, heat insulated glass, dynamic brake control and traction control, brake assist, rain sensors, hill start assist, front/rear distance control, real time traffic information, i-drive with 6.5” monitor, follow me home lights, LED daytime lights, climate control, multifunction steering wheel, welcome lighting, extended lights package, Thatcham cat 1 alarm and immobiliser and heated front seats. In terms of additional factory options, consider adding – sun protection glass, digital cockpit and the comfort access system for the perfect car. Or, should budgets allow, add the M Sport Plus Pack (privacy glass, harmon/kardon sound system and 19” alloys).
On the technical side, company car and business drivers can note the P11d at £42,160.00 and the C02 at 139g/km for a standard vehicle. The 2992CC 8 speed auto engine delivers 258ps, 0-62 times of 5.6 seconds and combined MPG of 53.3. The service intervals on the diesel BMW 4 series are every 24 months of 18,000 miles, whichever lands sooner. Consider a driver-maintained vs funder-maintained arrangement here.
So would the BMW 4 series be your next leasing option? Or would you be heading to Mercedes for the CLA or to Audi for the A5 sportback?
Let us know your thoughts and comments below!!
Click Here for the best deals on the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe available now on special offer from CarLease UK.
