Exceptional efficiency earns BMW ‘Chauffeur Car of the Year’ title

The BMW 730Ld has been named the 2009 Chauffeur Car of the Year, with the judges highlighting its ‘exceptional’ fuel economy, running costs and luxury as the new benchmarks in its class.

With CO2 emissions of just 180g/km and an combined consumption figure of 40.9mpg, the BMW 730Ld allows professional drivers and chauffeur companies to offer clients considerable luxury, as well as reduced environmental impact.

In winning over the competition, which included the Lexus LS600h and Mercedes-Benz S-class, Mark Bursa, Editor of Professional Driver Magazine and chairman of the jurors, said: “In the end, the new BMW 730Ld triumphed because its exemplary combination of style, finish and operating economics changes the game in its sector. It’s beautifully finished, with a superb, modern interior. BMW has brought its technological might to bear on the ride and handling.”

Stephen Chater, BMW Group Corporate Operations Manager, said: “We are delighted to win this award because the criteria for winning represents everything that BMW is about: building cars of the very highest premium quality that, thanks to EfficientDynamics, are often the most efficient in their sector in terms of emissions, fuel economy and therefore cost.”

The new BMW 730Ld is the integral model in the new BMW Chauffeur Programme that was recently launched to capitalize on the 7 Series’ dominant position in the professional driver’s market. The programme offers competitive contract hire rates, £699 per month based on three years or 60,000 miles including servicing*, enhanced specification packages and predictable running costs. 

The KeeResources’ KwikCarCost calculator considers the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY L as 7.51 pence per mile (or 6.3 per cent) more expensive to run than the BMW 730Ld SE over three years or 60,000 miles.

To make this a vehicle for the driver as well as the driven, tailored benefits include BMW Service Inclusive, complimentary on the BMW 730Ld, which lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles and covers all of the vehicle's basic servicing requirements. As part of the programme, professional drivers are also covered in the event of an immobilisation which cannot be repaired at the roadside. Should this occur and replacement vehicle which is PCO licensed for London, can be provided, giving operators peace of mind that clients will always be catered for to the highest standards.*

BMW also offers complimentary ConnectedDrive telematics and online services for the first three years, which are fully integrated with the vehicle’s navigation and Bluetooth telephone system, for those taking delivery of a Seven through the programme.

Customers can enhance the specification of their car further by opting for the Executive and Executive Plus packages. Giving passengers the luxurious equipment they demand at a competitive cost for the operator, the Executive package features 19-inch light alloy wheels, TV function, Sun protection glass, rear electrically-powered sunblinds, a windscreen with a grey shaded band and front and rear seat heating. The Executive Plus package adds Soft-close doors and driver and front passenger lumbar support to this list.

For more information visit www.bmwcorporate.co.uk/chauffeur

*Note: Full terms and conditions for this service can be found on the website.

Ends

For further information please contact:

Gavin Ward                           BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel:  01344 480829            Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk
                                                www.twitter.com/gavinward

Wieland Bruch                      Product Communications Manager

Tel: 01344 480113             Email: Wieland.Bruch@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs                       Corporate Communications Director

Tel:  01344 480109            Email:  Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Press office fax:                   01344 480306

Media website:                    www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/gb02.nsf
Customer website:              www.bmw.co.uk