Company car conundrum

[Jonboy_t]

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!

[Jonboy_t]

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

[Jonboy_t]

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

[Jonboy_t]

Hashtaggggg said:

Something from another marque an option?

Yeah, sort of. There’s a few Audi’s, but the best I could get from them would be an A3 sport back which I’m not a big fan of. There’s a Corolla Estate but, well, no! Outside of that, it’s standard 1 and 3 series

[Jonboy_t]

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!

[Jonboy_t]

Hashtaggggg said:

Is opting out an option?

Afraid not, it’s a ‘job needs’ car rather than a benefit.

[Jonboy_t]

sunbeam alpine said:

I had an X1 for 3 months as a replacement car a few years back. I'm 6'4" tall and it was a very uncomfortable car if used for a long distance.

Never even been in a 3 series so can't comment on that.

That’s really good to know, thank you

[Jonboy_t]

PeteinSQ said:

If you're having to transport that stuff doesn't that pretty much determine which car you have to get?

Personally I'd ditch my hobbies and get the 330e. My neighbour has one and loves it. A colleague opted in to get the 530e, is that an option?

Nope, thems the reasons I go to work

There’s no 5-series on the list unfortunately, would be lovely but I don’t think it’s doable on a company car contract.

Edited by Jonboy_t on Sunday 12th July 22:49

[Jonboy_t]

talksthetorque said:

Towbar and trailer?

Would be a perfect outcome, but a dealer fitted one takes it over the budget (£1k!!!!). There’s nowt stopping me putting an aftermarket one on, so long as I don’t have to cut in to the bumper to fit it, so could absolutely be an option!

[Jonboy_t]

Slow said:

Roof rack and box?

Would be a good shout on the 3-series, definitely

[Jonboy_t]

ZX10R NIN said:

Are the 320d MHT diesel hybrids in the same BiK as the 330e?

As someone had previously mentioned, the tax makes it stupidly expensive unfortunately

[Jonboy_t]

Decision made! After much discussion with the finance director, she’s agreed we should sell her car on and get a bigger family car (estate of some sort), so that covers the boat/kit situation and I’ve just ordered myself a spanking new 330e SE Sport in burnt orange - well happy!!

Cheers for the advice chappies, much appreciated

[Jonboy_t]

talksthetorque said:

Job done.
This is where she says she wants an X1 then

Haha! You just watch...!!