What Car? magazine has awarded BMW two sought-after honours at the publication’s annual New Car Awards. The new BMW 3 Series Saloon was crowned ‘Executive Car of the Year’ and the BMW 5 Series Saloon took home the trophy of the publication’s ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ title for a third consecutive year.
What Car? judges were impressed with the new 2019 BMW 3 Series, commenting on its scintillating drive, improved ride and notable fuel economy, reaffirming its class-leading quality and performance. Judges also mentioned the improved, spacious interior and a brilliant infotainment system, stating, “The BMW 3 Series equals a car that encapsulates all of the attributes required in the executive car market – and then some.”
The BMW 520d SE Saloon was the particular model chosen by What Car? as their ‘Luxury Car of the Year’. In its appraisal, What Car? declared: “Our 2017 Car of the Year remains the best luxury saloon on sale, being every bit as classy and relaxing as rivals that cost twice as much. In fact, we can’t find any areas in which it drops the ball – it’s the supreme luxury package without the exclusive price tag.”
Along with these wins, six other models were highlighted with ‘Best Buy’ commendations for both the BMW and MINI brands:
- BMW X3 M40i- Best sports SUV for £40,000-£60,000
- BMW 5 Series 530e SE-Best plug-in hybrid for £30,000-£50,000
- BMW 2 Series 218i Sport- Best coupé for less than £30,000
- BMW 5 Series Touring 520d SE- Best estate car for Best luxury car for £40,000
- BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo 630d SE- Best luxury car for £40,000-£60,000
- MINI Convertible Cooper Classic Comfort/Nav pack- Best convertible for less than £25,000
Company Car Today CCT100 awards BMW and MINI multiple honours.
BMW and MINI scooped three accolades in the 2019 Company Car Today CCT100 Awards, with the BMW 5 Series taking the prize for ‘Executive Car of the Year’, the all-new BMW X5 beating the competition to the top honour in the ‘Large SUV of the Year’ category and the MINI Hatch winning the sought after ‘Premium Supermini of the Year’ title.
It’s a second time win in the CCT100 Awards for the BMW 5 Series which took the ‘Executive Car of the Year’ award in the inaugural CCT100 Awards soon after its launch in 2018.
The BMW 5 Series continues the finest tradition of its forebears by offering an unsurpassed blend of driving dynamics, comfort and functionality. This seventh generation model uses the very latest technology from within BMW to create a saloon that’s more refined than ever before, significantly lighter, safer, and more fuel efficient.
Paul Barker, Editor for Company Car Today, said: “The BMW 5 Series has again proved itself to be comfortably top of the pile it terms of all the attributes that make for an excellent company car. Our overall 2018 champion retained its Executive Car of the Year title thanks to its combination of controlled running costs, low emissions and top-notch driver appeal.”
The all-new BMW X5 brings demonstrates the latest BMW advances in technology, design and safety, with the highest level of autonomous capability yet seen on a BMW X model. A choice of TwinPower and M Performance petrol and diesel engines are matched to a new eight-speed Steptronic gearbox and the latest version of xDrive for maximum comfort, capability and performance.
Commenting on the win, Paul Barker, Editor for Company Car Today, said: “The new X5 takes BMW straight back to the top of the class,” said Company Car Today Editor Paul Barker. “It defies its size to prove a fine-handling SUV that also offers seven-seat practicality, great residual values and, for the sector, good emissions figures.”
Completing the trio of Company Car Today awards for BMW Group, MINI Hatch was named ‘Premium Supermini of the Year’ against a backdrop of strong competition. The award comes just months after MINI UK announced an all-new trim structure across the range, with three new styles enhancing value and simplifying the ordering process for corporate and retail customers alike.
“The MINI Hatch’s allure continues to shine brightly, and it ticks every box,” said Company Car Today Editor Paul Barker. “Not only does it offer that legendary driving experience, but it’s well-priced, efficient and has great residual values, making it a great choice for business users.”
The CCT100 is Company Car Today’s definitive list of the 100 cars that can fulfil any business car requirement. A shortlist containing the top five cars in each category is assessed across 12 key factors that make an excellent company car, including emissions, price, running costs, company car tax, practicality, desirability and the driving experience.
SOURCE: BMW Group
