Company cars: the best in business class drive so economically

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That’s how economical the best in business class drive

Company cars: the best in business class drive so economically-business

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The station wagon of the Mercedes E-Class offers the largest trunk in its class.

Source: dapd / DAPD

Company cars: the best in business class drive so economically-best

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BMW also offers the 5 Series with a particularly economical engine.

Source: picture alliance / dpa-tmn / tmn

Company cars: the best in business class drive so economically-company

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Jaguar with the XF has so far had little success in the fleet business. But the sedan can keep up well with its German competitors.

Source: Jaguar

Company cars: the best in business class drive so economically-cars

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Audi boss Rupert Stadler next to the new A6. This model series in particular contributed to a profit at Audi of 2.63 billion euros in 2010.

Source: dapd / DAPD

Manufacturers are fighting to reduce consumption in the middle class. Those who emit less than 130 grams of CO2 per kilometer have the best market opportunities.

S.Frugality and low CO2 emissions are becoming more and more important for cars. This is especially true for company cars that cover long distances in a short period of time. The magic number is called by all manufacturers "130". According to EU plans, this is how many grams of CO2 an average car will be allowed to emit from 2015.

Many companies also use this value as a guide in internal eco-plans. While it can be more or less easily reached by small and compact cars, only a few vehicles in the business class manage it. The limousines are simply too heavy, and the demands made by frequent drivers on engine performance are too high. However, there are some models that break the limit.

The solution is a four-cylinder diesel plus six-speed manual transmission plus fuel-saving technology. Audi, for example, has given its A6 not only an automatic start-stop system but also a braking energy recovery system that uses the energy that would otherwise be lost as heat during braking to generate electricity. The most economical diesel manages to achieve a standard consumption of just 4.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers despite an impressive output of 177 hp. Converted into CO2 emissions, that’s 129 grams per kilometer – even just below the limit. The price list for the thrifty businessman starts at 38,500 euros.

BMW is one of the pioneers when it comes to energy-saving technology. In the 5 Series Sedan, too, helpers to reduce fuel consumption are on board as standard: from the automatic start-stop system to a rearrangement of the ancillary units. The most frugal version is the 520d with 184 hp and a standard consumption of 4.9 liters (129 g CO2). The fuel saver is expensive, however: 40,350 euros are in the price list.

Mercedes has also trimmed the E-Class for economy and offers two models with a weight of 130 grams. The E 220 CDI with an output of 170 hp has a standard consumption of 5.0 liters (130 g CO2 / km) as does the E 250 CDI with an impressive 204 hp. In addition to the automatic start-stop system, there are also detailed improvements to the engine and transmission. The price list starts at 42,691 euros for the weaker version, the stronger is available from 45,488 euros.

If you are looking for an economical alternative to the German top dogs, it will be difficult. There are hardly any importers in the upper middle class – and these traditionally rely less on classic German company car customers. Jaguar, for example, has a formidable diesel in its range for the XF, but with its six cylinders it delivers between 211 hp and 275 hp and requires 6.8 liters of diesel (179 g CO2) each. Prices: from 47,900 euros.

The hybrid models could serve as a savings alternative. But in this class they rely on high performance and therefore consume more than the economy diesel. The latest representative is the Infiniti M Hybrid, whose combination of V6 gasoline engine and electric motor generates 364 hp. Consumption should be 7.0 liters, which, because of the lower CO2 potential of gasoline, leads to emissions of only 162 g / km.

At 56,600 euros, the Japanese is also significantly more expensive than the domestic business limousine. The Lexus GS 450h from 60,810 euros is even more expensive. Its hybrid drive consisting of a V6 and an electric motor generates 345 hp with a standard consumption of 7.6 liters of super (180 g CO2 / km).

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