The arrival of the new BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon in September sets a new benchmark for efficiency and driving pleasure in its class.

With the all-important UK business market in mind, BMW engineers have created a car that is approximately 10 per cent more fuel-efficient than the best its rivals can muster, without reducing the 181bhp or 280lb ft of torque developed by the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. This equates to fuel economy of 62.8mpg and CO₂ emissions of 119g/km, which means a company car benefit-in-kind taxation band of only 13 per cent.

In addition to the standard Auto Start-Stop, Optimum Gearshift Indicator, Brake Energy Regeneration and Active Aerodynamics, the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon has a longer final drive ratio to reduce engine revs at highway speeds, and low rolling resistance tyres on Streamline-design alloy wheels.  This all helps to accelerate the car from zero to 62mph in just 8.2 seconds.

The 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon also comes with BMW’s new ECO-PRO Mode.  A driver-activated switch promotes economical and comfortable driving at low speeds by adjusting the engine mapping, throttle sensitivity, automatic gearshift points, where applicable, and the amount of power consumed by electrical ancillaries including climate control and heated seats.

The new model goes on sale in September priced from £30,435.