BMW Salary Sacrifice: Everything you need to know
Did you know that in 2024, the BMW i4 ranked as the second most popular electric car for salary sacrifice?
BMW initiated its venture into electric vehicles in 2013 with the introduction of the BMW i3, marking the first-ever mass-produced vehicle featuring a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRFP) passenger cell.
The Electric Car Scheme is designed to allow employees to save between 30-60% on any fully electric car. BMW salary sacrifice is an easy way for companies to provide their employees with a benefit without taking on the cost. In the case of electric car salary sacrifice, the business provides the car for the employee, who in turn sacrifices part of their salary to cover the cost of the car. The employee can pay for the car from their gross salary, before tax, saving 30-60% on the cost of the car. The process of leasing a Tesla through The Electric Car Scheme is no different from any other car.
We have thousands of cars to choose from, there really is something for everyone - regardless of whether you're interested in a BMW or another brand. In this post, we'll delve into the various BMW models available through The Electric Car Scheme, offering insights into different specifications, the driving experience, interior overview, and the associated salary sacrifice costs.
Consider this your comprehensive guide to all things related to BMW salary sacrifice!
BMW i4 salary sacrifice
First on our list is the BMW i4. The i4 first went on sale in the UK in November 2021, three months ahead of schedule. The BMW i4 presents two engine options. Opting for the e-Drive35 Sport model provides a 70 kWh battery, facilitating a home charging time of approximately 7 hours. Alternatively, the e-Drive40 Sport model boasts an 83.9 kWh battery, requiring a slightly extended home charging time of 8 and a half hours. However, the payoff is a rapid 0 to 62 mph acceleration in just 5.6 seconds.
| Details | eDrive35 Sport | eDrive40 Sport | BMW i4 M50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Engine Performance (kW) | 210 kW | 250 kW | 400 kW |
| Acceleration 0-62mph (seconds) | 6 seconds | 5.6 seconds | 3.9 seconds |
| WTLP Range (Miles) | 284-200 miles | 346-365 miles | 257-318 miles |
| Battery Size (kWh) | 70.2 kWh | 83.9 kWh | 83.9 kWh |
| Charging Time (At home 0-100%) | 7 hours | 8.5 hours | 8.5 hours |
| Personal Lease Cost | £707 | £839 | £1,026 |
| Lease Cost with The Electric Car Scheme | £459 | £544 | £664 |
In terms of performance, the BMW i4 e-Drive 40 boasts an electric range of up to 365 miles (WLTP) and an impressive output of 250 kW (equivalent to 340 horsepower). Acceleration is swift, achieving 0-62 mph in a mere 5.6 seconds. The i4 is available in three distinct models: Sport, M Sport, and M Models, each with an ascending starting price corresponding to the chosen specifications.
Highly praised in online reviews, the BMW i4 often draws comparisons to the Tesla Model 3. Described as "fast, comfortable, and extremely hushed at high speeds," the i4 is an exceptional choice in the electric vehicle market.
Driving
The i4 manages town driving easily, manoeuvring smoothly and accelerating quickly. It is also very quiet, and regenerative braking makes the driving experience effortless. On the motorway, the i4 thrives, and the cabin remains quiet, even at high speeds. However, it is very heavy; when you get on a very windy road is when you will notice it, and because of the big wheels, there is not a great deal of lean when turning a tight corner.
Interior
Inside, entry-level models come with cloth seat trim as standard. If you opt for leather, you're looking for a more upmarket feel. There is a balance between style and practicality, with plenty of legroom and sufficient headroom in the front. There is a good range of adjustment available between the seats and the steering wheel, meaning anyone will inevitably feel comfortable when driving the BMW i4. In the back, the legroom and headroom are slightly tighter, largely because of the sloping roof. Like in many cars, there are ISOFIX points for child seats, should you need them. In the boot, there is 470 litres of room. If you fold the seats down, that space increases to 1,290 litres.
Infotainment
The front dashboard is dominated by two twin screens that curve around the driver to give the appearance of one big display.
Directly in front of the driver, in place of the conventional dial, is the 12.3-inch screen which the driver can customise, and to the left, there is the larger 14.9-inch infotainment screen.
The BMW i4 eDrive35 is available to salary sacrifice at The Electric Car Scheme for £465 per month. You save a total of £301 in income tax and national insurance savings! You can calculate your savings on the BMW i4 using our online quote tool here.
BMW iX3 salary sacrifice
Both the BMW iX3 M Sport and the Sport Pro have the rear-wheel-drive configuration, the distinguishing factor lies in the estimated WLTP range, which is marginally lower for the M Sport Pro at 288 miles.
| Details | iX3 M Sport | iX3 M Sport Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine Performance (kW) | 210 kW | 210 kW |
| Acceleration 0-62mph (seconds) | 6.8 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| WTLP Range (Miles) | 290-292 miles | 285-288 miles |
| Battery Size (kWh) | 80 kWh | 80 kWh |
| Charging Time (At home 0-100%) | 7.5 hours | 7.5 hours |
| Personal Lease Cost | £978 | £1,023 |
| Lease Cost with The Electric Car Scheme | £630 | £658 |
Targeting electric vehicle (EV) and SUV enthusiasts, the BMW iX3 has garnered attention. However, Carwow suggests that it may not be as comfortable as some competitors, and some rivals are recognised for delivering stronger overall performance. Despite these considerations, the iX3 remains an attractive choice within the EV landscape.
Driving
Around town and at lower speeds, the iX3 is relaxing and easy to drive, with low noise levels. The steering is light, making it easy to manoeuvre, and when put into Sport mode, it becomes slightly firmer.
The iX3 is very quick due to its two-motor, four-wheel-drive system, allowing acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in around 6.8 seconds, depending on the specification you choose. The battery pack is mounted low on the car’s floor, meaning its centre of gravity is lower than a standard petrol or diesel X3, providing a lot of control over performance. Comfort mode is available and is engaging, and BMW’s traction control system, with the control module mounted directly to the electric motor, allows faster and more accurate reactions whenever traction is lost. On the motorway, the iX3 is refined, but it becomes slightly louder in terms of tire and wind noise, though nothing major.
Interior
Inside, the iX3 is very similar to the X3, offering plenty of space for adults in both the front and the back. The back seats are well-designed, ensuring comfortable seating, and they also recline, making them great for long journeys. The boot capacity is 510 litres, and if you put the back seats down, this increases to 1,560 litres. There is a small space under the floor where you could store charging cables. Even though the motor is at the back, and there is no engine in the front of the iX3, BMW hasn't replaced this with more storage space.
Infotainment
The only real difference between the iX3 and X3 inside is the blue trim. The infotainment system is the Drive version 7.0, which features two separate 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment. There is an optional head-up display showing your speed and sat nav directions on the windscreen. A clever feature in the sat nav automatically starts to slow the car down using regenerative braking when approaching an area with a lower speed limit, topping up the battery a little and ensuring you arrive at the new speed zone at the correct limit. It might feel a bit weird at first as if the car has developed a mind of its own, but you can turn it off if you don't like it.
By getting a BMW iX3-e M Sport through The Electric Car Scheme, you would save £555 in income tax and national insurance savings. You would have to pay £62 towards the average benefit in kind tax, which is a tax levied on any company benefits given to an employee. This is a small fee each month - you can learn more about it in our dedicated guide.
BMW iX salary sacrifice
The BMW iX xDrive40, featured in The Electric Car Scheme, offers versatility with four distinct models. Much like the i4, potential drivers can select from Sport, M Sport, and M Models.
| Details | Sport xDrive40 | M Sport xDrive50 | M60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive type | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Engine performance (kW) | 240 kWh | 385 kWh | 455 kWh |
| Acceleration 0-62mph (seconds) | 6.1 seconds | 4.6 seconds | 3.8 seconds |
| WTLP Range (miles) | 251-264 miles | 365-383 miles | 338-349 miles |
| Battery size (kWh) | 76.6kWh | 111.5 kWh | 111.5kWh |
| Charging time - AC, 0-100% (minutes) | 7.5 hours | 11 hours | 6.25 hours |
| Personal Lease Cost | £879 | £1,420 | £ |
| Lease Cost with The Electric Car Scheme | £578 | £924 |
In direct comparisons with prominent electric SUVs like the Jaguar I-Pace, Mercedes Benz EQC, and the Audi e-tron, the BMW iX xDrive40 stands out as BMW's flagship electric model. Inside, it boasts an expansive interior with ample legroom, complemented by a capacious 500-litre boot capacity. Elevate your driving experience with the BMW iX xDrive40 – where innovative design meets spacious comfort for the ultimate electric journey.
Driving
The iX is a very big car, meaning it will inevitably take up a lot of room on an average street. Visibility is good, and the surround-camera system takes the stress out of parking; you can also use the Parking Assistant feature to park the car for you. It is comfortable to drive in towns and cities; the xDrive50 comes with air suspension, which means you will barely notice any potholes or bumps in the road. On the motorway, it is extremely quiet to drive, and despite weighing 2.5 tonnes, it is also very quick.
Interior
There is lots of space in the cabin; the driver and passenger sit high, as you would expect in an SUV. The seats are very comfortable, making this car perfect for longer journeys. In the back, the floor is flat, which means everyone has plenty of room for their feet, even when travelling with three in the back.
Some models have a panoramic sunroof, and even with this feature, there is more than enough headroom for six-foot passengers. The boot space of the iX is not as good as competitors in the field at 500 litres.
Infotainment
The tech appeal is evident with the two prominent screens that dominate the front of the car: the 12.3-inch instrument panel and the 14.9-inch infotainment display. It is impressive when sitting in the driver’s seat. You can use the touchscreen, voice control, or the rotary controller — the latter is easier to use without becoming distracted.
If you were to lease a BMW iX xDrive40 yourself, you would pay £1,015. Salary sacrifice allows you to save £358 every month because of your tax savings. You can browse all of the electric cars we have available at The Electric Car Scheme by visiting our quote tool.
BMW i7 salary sacrifice
The BMW i7 is an electric saloon, serving as an electric alternative to the 7 series.
There are three different BMW i7s available, these include the i7 eDrive50 Excellence, i7 eDrive50 M Sport and the i7 M70 xDrive. The eDrive50 Excellence has a starting price of £101,765 when brand new and this increases depending on the model you choose. Each of these is then available in three different engine specifications - for example, the eDrive50 Excellence is also available in the xDrive60 Excellence and the xDrive60 Excellence Pro. The main difference between the three models, apart from price, is The battery size and speed of the M70 xDrive.
| Details | eDrive50 Excellence | xDrive60 Excellence | M70 xDrive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive type | Rear-wheel Drive | All-wheel Drive | All-wheel Drive |
| Engine performance (kW) | 335 kW | 400 kW | 485 kW |
| Acceleration 0-62mph (seconds) | 5.5 seconds | 4.7 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
| WTLP Range (miles) | 357-375 miles | 366-387 miles | 334-343 miles |
| Battery size (kWh) | 105.7 kWh | 105.7 kWh | 105.7 kWh |
| Charging time - AC, 0-100% (minutes) | 5.5 hours | 5.5 hours | 5.5 hours |
| Personal Lease Cost | £1,351 | £1,638 | |
| Lease Cost with The Electric Car Scheme | £881 | £1,063 |
Focussing on the i7 eDrive50 Excellence, which is rear-wheel drive and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 5.5 seconds, which is considered by some as “one of the best EVs to drive.” It has great technology available throughout. It has an impressive WTLP range of 375 miles. The M70 xDrive has a battery size of 105.7kWg and therefore is very quick off the mark and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds.
Driving
Opting for four-wheel steering makes the i7 more nimble around town, allowing for easier navigation around corners. Interestingly, you can control your car through the BMW app on your phone with the remote driving function, enabling you to manoeuvre the car in and out of tight spaces while standing outside. On the motorway, the i7 feels at home.
It features an adaptive air suspension setup, ensuring that bumps are barely noticeable, making it comfortable for long journeys. The air suspension can lower at higher speeds, enhancing the car's aerodynamics. It provides a smooth driving experience, and when cruising, the car defaults to a range-saving mode with 42-0hp. Alternatively, you can opt for adaptive cruise control for added convenience. Despite its 5.4-meter length, the all-around cameras make it easy to manage, and it can also park itself while you keep an eye on your surroundings.
Interior
Buyers can choose between leather or vegan leather and can also opt for an optional cinema widescreen in the back that folds down from the roof. Inside, there is ample space both in the front and back, although the back seats are shaped for two rather than three. The seat behind the front passenger can fully recline, but it does mean the front passenger moves forward and partially folds, limiting seating in the front to just the driver in this configuration. With 500 litres of boot space and under-floor storage large enough for charging cables, the i7 offers practicality.
Infotainment
The infotainment system mirrors that of the iX, featuring a large curved display. The standout feature, however, is the optional 31.0-inch screen that folds down from the roof, turning the back seats into a mobile cinema or video game arcade. It's a touchscreen with 8K high-definition picture quality, and there's a built-in Amazon Fire Stick for those in the back to enjoy movies, and TV shows, or plug in a games console.
If a i7 is more your style, pay £924 if you’re at higher rate tax payer. By salary sacrificing this car, you will save £501 per month - over a year this means you would save £6,012 as opposed to leasing the car yourself.
BMW iX1 salary sacrifice
This is the all-electric version of the X1 SUV; the iX1 draws inspiration from the larger iX but stands out as the most compact family option among BMW’s electric SUVs. The iX1 provides a sensation similar to that of a larger iX, offering a refined and quiet experience. It remains comfortable during cruising, but its weight, exceeding two tonnes, may contribute to a perception of bumps.
Excelling in urban settings, this car is notably quiet and offers excellent visibility. It comes in various models, including Sport, xLine, and M Sport. The distinction between Sport and xLine, priced at £2,000, primarily involves substantial cosmetic upgrades that enhance the car's aesthetics. The M Sport variant adds sports seats and enhanced alloy wheels, among other features.
| Details | eDrive20 Sport | eDrive20 xLine | eDrive20 M Sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive type | Front-wheel Drive | Front-wheel Drive | Front-wheel Drive |
| Engine performance (kW) | 150 kW | 150 kW | 150 kW |
| Acceleration 0-62mph (seconds) | 8.6 seconds | 8.6 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| WTLP Range (miles) | 275-293miles | 267-288 miles | 267-283 miles |
| Battery size (kWh) | 66.5 kWh | 66.5 kWh | 66.5 kWh |
| Charging time - AC, 0-100% (minutes) | 6.5 hours | 6.5 hours | 6.5 hours |
| Personal Lease Cost | £756 | £729 | £896 |
| Lease Cost with The Electric Car Scheme | £483 | £475 | £572 |
Driving
On the motorway, the iX1 exhibits refinement and quietness, although efficiency diminishes with increasing speed, a common trait among electric vehicles (EVs).
Nevertheless, its range makes it well-suited for longer journeys. If you plan to charge publicly on the motorway, it's essential to note that the iX1's maximum charge speed is 130kW, which may not be as fast as some other cars of similar calibre.
Interior
Regarding the backseat experience for drivers and passengers, the iX1 offers ample room and comfort. The middle seat at the back may be somewhat uncomfortable, given the slight elevation of the two outer seats. This configuration leaves the person in the middle feeling somewhat in between. Additionally, there is no flat floor in the back for the person sitting in the middle. The boot space is 490 litres, which is reasonable, and it expands to 1,495 when the rear seats are folded down. The boot is equipped with four bag hooks and a 12v socket.
Infotainment
The infotainment system screen measures 10.7 inches but does not overpower the cabin as some screens do in EVs. It is user-friendly, although it lacks the convenient rotary controller between the two front seats, a decision made to streamline the interior. Optional technologies, such as keyless entry, wireless phone charging, and a head-up display, can be added to enhance the overall features of the iX1.
If you choose to salary sacrifice the BMW iX1 eDrive20 Sport, you will be saving £355 every month in income tax and national insurance savings. Have a browse of our quote tool to see how much you could save by inputting your salary and choosing the EV of your dreams!
BMW i5 salary sacrifice
The BMW i5 represents the all-electric iteration of the latest BMW 5 series, and these two models share a strikingly similar external appearance. Choosing between two power outputs, the i5 eDrive40 offers a less powerful option with a single 340hp motor propelling the rear wheels. Opting for the M60 brings forth a more potent version with two electric motors, one for the front wheels and another for the rears, creating a four-wheel-drive configuration for the 601hp powerhouse. Both models share the same battery pack, boasting an 81.2 kWh capacity. The i5 is distinguished by its remarkable comfort and serenity, with only a faint whisper of wind and road noise. However, its heavier weight compared to the regular Series 5 might make it less nimble when manoeuvring around tight corners.
| Details | eDrive40 M Sport | M60 xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Drive type | Rear-wheel Drive | All-wheel Drive |
| Engine performance (kW) | 250 kW | 442 kW |
| Acceleration 0-62mph (seconds) | 6 seconds | 3.6 seconds |
| WTLP Range (miles) | 312-357 miles | 284-315 miles |
| Battery size (kWh) | 83.9 kWh | 83.9 kWh |
| Charging time - AC, 0-100% (minutes) | 8.5 hours | 4.25 hours |
| Personal Lease Cost | £979 | £1,289 |
| Lease Cost with The Electric Car Scheme | £639 | £841 |
Driving
Equipped with advanced technology, the optional upgrade for adaptive cruise control available in some markets allows the car to change lanes autonomously. The driver simply needs to check their mirrors to ensure safety, and the car's sensors recognize the glance to the side, facilitating a lane swap. Where permitted by law, the driver can even briefly take their hands off the wheel. Interestingly, eye activation technology is set to launch in Germany, followed by the USA and Canada, although a UK launch date has yet to be confirmed.
On the motorway, the i5 excels due to its impressive quietness, to the extent that drivers may need to be vigilant about maintaining their speed. As mentioned earlier, the i5 is notably heavy, particularly the M60 variant due to the additional weight of a second motor and the four-wheel-drive system, making it less agile compared to other cars. Despite this, the i5 is well-crafted and comfortable, boasting larger dimensions than the 5 series, providing ample legroom and headroom in both the front and back. The i5 offers a boot size of 490 litres, slightly less than the petrol 5 series.
Interior
Inside, the driver’s seat moves electronically and adjustable support is included which is a good feature, especially if you’re prone to back pain. The standard seats are comfortable, with good side support to hold you in place without being too restrictive. There is plenty of storage for passengers - including under the armrests where there is also a 12-volt socket in case you need to charge something that doesn’t take a USB cable. In the back, there is plenty of leg and headroom because it is taller and longer than the old 5 series. However, there are no pockets on the back of the front seats and the floor is raised to accommodate for the battery which does cause your legs to be pushed up. The boot is a good size of 490 litres, which should be enough room to accommodate the average person.
Infotainment
The infotainment display mirrors that of the iX, featuring 12.3-inch and 14.9-inch screens for driver control and entertainment, respectively. While stationary, occupants can watch YouTube videos or play video games, a convenient feature during charging breaks.
If you are in the position to make decisions on your company’s benefit package, then you can set up electric car salary sacrifice through The Electric Car Scheme. If you are an employee looking to convince your company, visit this page and fill out a form telling us who you want to convince. Browse the range of cars we have available to salary sacrifice at The Electric Car Scheme by visiting our quote tool!
Terms & Conditions - Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 5,000 miles pa, 48 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
