Best Electric Car (Over £40,000): BMW i4
Despite the choice of models in this class growing hugely over the past year, we felt none of them could match the reliable electric range of the BMW i4, as well as its driver appeal, and practical hatchback design.
Inside, the interior remains attractive, with the state-of-the-art features we like. The dashboard is dominated by the large, curved display that’s made up of a 14.9in infotainment touchscreen and 12.3in driver display.
Plus, even when they’re not in the vehicle, drivers remain in touch with their i4 – via the MyBMW App. Features include the current charge status, the ability to send destinations to the sat-nav, or even just to set the cabin temperature for the journey ahead.
Despite its Gran Coupé styling, the i4 offers decent practicality like the 3 Series and 4 Series, as this practical hatchback opens to reveal a 470-litre boot.
The all-electric i4 is available in eDrive40, M50 and the new eDrive35 versions. These incoming eDrive 35 models open the i4 up to new drivers because of their lower entry price. Our favourite remains the eDrive40, with its 340hp electric motor, and rear-wheel drive, giving an impressive range of up to 365 miles.
It is not just the performance and range that impresses about the i4, as its charging unit allows the use of DC high-power charging stations, with an output of up
to 205kW.
On the move, the i4 has responsive steering – like an ICE-engined BMW, with engaging handling and a rewarding ride. In our opinion, the i4 is the perfect premium EV option for user-choosers or businesses to make the EV switch without attracting attention.
Best Executive Car: BMW 5 Series
The older generation BMW 5 Series Saloon is our winner, which is now replaced by the all-new 5 Series and all-electric i5 models. In our judges’ eyes, the outgoing car ‘is still the best car in its class,’ and as such is our Best Executive Car again for 2023.
So, what kept the outgoing 5 Series at the top? We believe one of the key factors is the way it drives. The outgoing 5 Series might have been on sale for six years, but it was still the best car to drive in the Executive class and one of the most refined.
Then, whether you choose petrol, diesel, or plug-in hybrid power, BMW Efficient Dynamics helped keep the running costs down. The slick-shifting automatic gearbox makes the most of the available performance. The direct steering also helps this BMW to corner confidently, with impressive agility and poise.
The established BMW executive offering also looked great – whether you choose the Saloon or Touring, exuding restrained elegance.
The deciding touch was the equipment levels, which were high, and the fleet-friendly M-Sport trim offers all the kit you’ll ever need.
Best Premium Car: BMW 3 Series
Facelifted in the past year, but we just think this strengthens the BMW’s position, as the 3 Series remains head and shoulders above the competition in the premium class. The combination of a comprehensive choice of engines, low total cost of ownership figures and driver appeal still impresses.
Whether you choose diesel, petrol, or plug-in hybrid versions in the Saloon or Touring bodies of the 3 Series, you won’t be disappointed by the driving experience. In addition to the performance, the other driving highlights include the precise steering and tidy handling. The ride and refinement remain well-judged, too.
All current 3 Series models offer excellent performance, but not at the expense of efficiency. Our pick, and a key choice for fleets, is the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid, which combines a 184hp 2.0-litre petrol with an 11.15kWh battery and 83kWh electric motor, which together equal up to 35 miles of EV range, a total of 292hp and BiK starting at 12%.
With the last facelift, the 3 Series received new lights, and a tweaked grille, and looks fresh whether you choose the Saloon or more practical Touring estate, with restrained elegance.
The addition of tech borrowed from another of our favourite BMW models, the i4, equals a huge, curved display made up of two screens, running an intuitive infotainment system, that interacts via voice or gesture control. As such, like the i4, the 3 Series also benefits from the MyBMW App.
Best Premium Medium SUV: BMW X1
The latest BMW X1 impresses with its extra practicality, its performance, plus the electric range for EV and plug-in hybrid models. On top of the added space, all X1s are well-equipped and good to drive.
Outside, the X1 looks familiar – but different. You can’t miss the large kidney grille, but elsewhere there are slim LED headlights and an aggressive front air dam – which on the more off-road-focused xLine adds a skid plate and metal detailing. At the side, there’s more underbody protection, sharp wheel arch detailing and flush door handles. The most noticeable design feature at the back of the X1, are the long and high-set, three-dimensional rear light clusters, plus another skid plate at the bottom of the bumper.
The biggest news is that it has grown. Now built on the UKL platform, it gets a 22mm longer wheelbase. As such, it is 53mm longer and 44mm taller – bringing the overall length to 4,500mm, which is very close to its bigger brother the X3.
As a result, the interior offers impressive levels of space. In the front, the driving position is excellent – with plenty of room and adjustment so even the tallest can get comfortable. Move to the back, and there’s more head and legroom than you might expect. And with up to 540 litres bootspace, it is bigger than most rivals too.’
Key fleet choices are the plug-in hybrid X1 xDrive25e with 245hp and 326hp xDrive30e, which both offer 7.4kWh charging and up to 53 miles EV-only driving, and up to 403mpg. Both these PHEV models equalling a low 8% BiK figure. Or, the fully-electric iX1 eDrive20 with 204hp, and up to 293-mile range, or the 313hp (with boost) iX1 xDrive30 with up to 270-mile range.
With this level of choice for fleet drivers, we don’t think it’s a surprise that the X1 range is our favourite Best Premium Medium SUV for 2023.
Fleet Manufacturer of the Year: BMW
We continue to be impressed by the choice of models from BMW, which continues to build on its strong fleet record – particularly with the choice of EVs that keeps on growing at pace. Then there’s support for company car drivers, with remote benefits from the MyBMW App for all BMW models, further innovations to support company car drivers includes the ‘BMW Corporate Certified’ programme, to improve the retailer experience.
Matt Collins, General Manager for Corporate Sales at BMW UK said: “Winning the Manufacturer of the Year award is a testament to not only our strong product portfolio but also our corporate sales teams and their hard work, expertise and the support provided to our customers. Maintaining strong relationships with our fleet partners is vital for our brands and so this recognition is very gratefully received.”
