Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW raises CO2 figures across range under new WLTP tests

Every model in the BMW range has been retested in accordance with WLTP tests, with higher CO2 recorded and lower fuel economy

BMW 5 Series - second report front cornering

BMW has revealed revised fuel economy figures and CO2 outputs for its entire line-up, now all tested under new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) protocols.

The new stricter tests, intended to deliver more ‘real world’ results, mean that CO2 figures are up across the board, while BMW’s models are now less fuel efficient on paper, compared to previous figures obtained under outgoing New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) tests.

Advertisement - Article continues below

New BMW X2 SUV review

Introduced in September 2017, WLTP testing is now compulsory in Europe for new vehicle approvals, though is largely communicated with a calculation translating figures back to NEDC for comparison’s sake. This transitional phase will be in place until September this year, when all manufacturers selling vehicles in Europe will be obliged to test vehicles under WLTP and publish results solely under the new testing banner.

Compared to the 20-minute NEDC procedure, the WLTP test lasts half an hour and runs over a 14.6-mile course. Vehicles spend 13 per cent of the test stationary – less than the 25 per cent idle time of the old NEDC test. All equipment options and extras are brought into consideration too, with tests exposing small differences in weight and aerodynamics brought about by specific optional extras.

For BMW, the revised WLTP figures mean changes at both the top and bottom ends of the firm’s line-up. For instance, the 116d SE’s official CO2 has risen from 94g/km to 111g/km, with fuel combined fuel economy dipping from 78.5mpg to 67.3mpg. The 520d 5 Series – the most popular model in the 5 Series line-up – jumps from 108g/km to 119g/km.

Read more about the new WLTP emissions and fuel economy tests here... 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Exclusive BMW M-branded halo car due after limited Skytop convertible goes down a storm
BMW Concept Skytop - front end

Exclusive BMW M-branded halo car due after limited Skytop convertible goes down a storm

The reception for the £500k one-of-50 BMW convertible has been so strong, the maker is planning more exclusive cars
News
25 Apr 2025
New BMW HypersonX tech to make EVs sound like ‘the pleasure of driving’
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept - front

New BMW HypersonX tech to make EVs sound like ‘the pleasure of driving’

Neue Klasse cars will be able to tailor sounds based on the driving situation, starting with the new iX3
News
17 Apr 2025
What is BMW M? Past, present and future of the Bavarian powerhouse
Auto Express consumer reporter Tom Jervis sitting in a BMW M1

What is BMW M? Past, present and future of the Bavarian powerhouse

For more than 50 years, BMW’s M division has been thrilling drivers. We look at its amazing past – and preview an exciting future
Features
12 Apr 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
8 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2
Ford Fiesta facelift - front cornering

Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2

VW’s sales and marketing boss considers Ford tech share “very successful” – and won’t rule out future projects
News
30 Apr 2025