Company car conundrum
Discussion
I have a problem, admittedly a very nice problem to have, but it’s a problem nonetheless and I need the impartial opinion of people I’ve never met.
My company car is due for renewal and we’ve made the (frankly brilliant) move from using only Vauxhall to using BMW - top stuff! I’ve narrowed it down to two that are in my allowable and affordable bracket - a 330e SE Pro and an X1 xdrive 25e.
The conundrum is that I just can’t pick between them so I need opinions!
- I’m 6”4’ so need room - 330e will give leg room but X1 is a more upright seat so maybe better/comfier mile muncher (I do ~20k a year)?
- extending the ‘needing room’ bit, as a 6”4’ fatty, I get the impression I’m going to end up feeling like I’m wearing the X1 rather than driving it, but the 330e seems like a roomier cockpit.
- I need accessible load space for a full drum kit and a decent sized inflatable boat&outboard (although not necessarily at the same time..). 330e has the load space but the boat and most of the kit won’t go in the boot as it’s a saloon. X1 will do it no problem.
- I like the toys. 330e has all the trinkets, but the X1 (so i believe) is a relatively low spec model - cloth interior type trim level. As it comes, the X1 is top of the budget already so I can’t trade up to a higher trim.
So far, I think I’m favouring the 3 series, my wife thinks she’s favouring the X1 and my lad thinks I should get a Ferrari. Useless.
What would some strangers on the internet choose? I will be getting to a dealership to try them out at some point, but the only one within a 40 minute drive doesn’t have either to look at just now!
My company car is due for renewal and we’ve made the (frankly brilliant) move from using only Vauxhall to using BMW - top stuff! I’ve narrowed it down to two that are in my allowable and affordable bracket - a 330e SE Pro and an X1 xdrive 25e.
The conundrum is that I just can’t pick between them so I need opinions!
- I’m 6”4’ so need room - 330e will give leg room but X1 is a more upright seat so maybe better/comfier mile muncher (I do ~20k a year)?
- extending the ‘needing room’ bit, as a 6”4’ fatty, I get the impression I’m going to end up feeling like I’m wearing the X1 rather than driving it, but the 330e seems like a roomier cockpit.
- I need accessible load space for a full drum kit and a decent sized inflatable boat&outboard (although not necessarily at the same time..). 330e has the load space but the boat and most of the kit won’t go in the boot as it’s a saloon. X1 will do it no problem.
- I like the toys. 330e has all the trinkets, but the X1 (so i believe) is a relatively low spec model - cloth interior type trim level. As it comes, the X1 is top of the budget already so I can’t trade up to a higher trim.
So far, I think I’m favouring the 3 series, my wife thinks she’s favouring the X1 and my lad thinks I should get a Ferrari. Useless.
What would some strangers on the internet choose? I will be getting to a dealership to try them out at some point, but the only one within a 40 minute drive doesn’t have either to look at just now!
Jonboy_t said:
Slow said:
Can you get a 330e touring?
Otherwise I would still put the 3 series at the top of the list anyway.
Unfortunately not, that would be the top banana for me if I could though, definitely Otherwise I would still put the 3 series at the top of the list anyway.
Slow said:
Could you lower the engine model to upgrade to touring? Would still be better than any X1 you could get imo.
Good shout, that. I didn’t spot any others 3-series hybrids on the list (the hybrid drops the tax massively) but I didn’t look very hard after I saw the 330e was on there! I’ll have another look at that Monday, thanks 
talksthetorque said:
If it’s a company BMW and you’re not going the “e” route then you’ll be paying plenty of tax on it.
The difference will be enough to run a second car the shape you need for towing/drum kits.
Just a thought.
Very true, that’s what’s narrowed it down to those two predominantly. I can do both for about £200 a month all in (tax + trade up value) but an equivalent spec 3-series diesel would be another £100 at least on top in tax. Scary!The difference will be enough to run a second car the shape you need for towing/drum kits.
Just a thought.
The 330e has much nicer and wider seats and is significantly more comfortable if you do a lot if miles.However it’s quite a small boot due to the battery. Less than standard 3 series.
No other hybrids in the 3 series range, so smaller engine will lead you to higher tax cost unfortunately.
In short if it were me I’d go 3 series, get a top box for hols and then make sure the drum kit fits in the mrs car
No other hybrids in the 3 series range, so smaller engine will lead you to higher tax cost unfortunately.
In short if it were me I’d go 3 series, get a top box for hols and then make sure the drum kit fits in the mrs car
Don't write off the Corolla especially in Excel trim:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/new...
I don't know what spec you get up to in the 330e but the Corolla is pretty muce inside but you do have to put up with the CVT gearbox.
Now there is another option that ticks all of your boxes & it's still a BMW hybrid that comes in touring form & that's the hybrid 320d:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/new...
I don't know what spec you get up to in the 330e but the Corolla is pretty muce inside but you do have to put up with the CVT gearbox.
Now there is another option that ticks all of your boxes & it's still a BMW hybrid that comes in touring form & that's the hybrid 320d:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Jonboy_t said:
talksthetorque said:
If it’s a company BMW and you’re not going the “e” route then you’ll be paying plenty of tax on it.
The difference will be enough to run a second car the shape you need for towing/drum kits.
Just a thought.
Very true, that’s what’s narrowed it down to those two predominantly. I can do both for about £200 a month all in (tax + trade up value) but an equivalent spec 3-series diesel would be another £100 at least on top in tax. Scary!The difference will be enough to run a second car the shape you need for towing/drum kits.
Just a thought.
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