BMW is Greenest Car Manufacturer

Environmentalists rejoice... BMW has claimed the “Greenest Manufacturer of the Year Award 2012” from Green-Car-Guide.com. Now, never fear. This does not suggest that every BMW has to be painted with a vulgar shade of “green” - rather that the manufacturer's vehicles offer “class-leading emissions and economy” whilst “delivering an excellent driving experience”. In fact, this is the third time in five years that BMW has claimed this environmental award, so this planet loving car producer clearly knows its stuff.

Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW Group UK, said: “BMW is delighted to have been awarded this honour as it highlights all of the amazing work we have done to lower vehicle emissions and improve fuel consumption figures but without losing any driver enjoyment.”

Fair enough, but let us put this in terms we can easily relate too. The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics BluePerformance manual averages 68.9mpg. This rises to a mighty 80.7mpg on the extra-urban cycle, and its carbon emissions are only 109g/km. Despite these environmental credentials this executive saloon hits 62mph in 8 seconds. That makes it more efficient and faster than the entry-level Vauxhall Meriva – a pint-sized MPV.

Furthermore, the BMW 520d SE automatic averages 60.1mpg, its emissions are a rock bottom 123g/km, and it has enough poke to hit 62mph in 8.1 seconds. Again, better than the Vauxhall. Even the BMW 7 Series can be fairly efficient, as the 730d SE model manages 41.5mpg and its emissions are 178g/km. Not bad for a vast saloon that reaches 62mph in only 7.2 seconds. Who says fuel efficient cars have to be slow? Long live BMW.

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