BMW has extended its Business Edition range to the 3 Series and is considering adding the 1 Series to the fleet-specific line up.

Business Edition was launched on the 5 Series last year and adds specification that will be attractive and relevant to fleets – not least in improving the resale value, which helps to bring down the cost of the monthly lease.

Around half of 5 Series volumes sold to fleets are Business Editions. The 3 Series versions – saloon and touring - will be available from July, typically costing around £1,000 more for a specification package worth up to £2,500.

The uplifts include leather seats, Bluetooth and the ConnectedDrive system which provides news and weather information, breakdown call, allows the driver to send a route from the computer to the navigation system using Google Maps, and gives access to local information such as hotel and restaurant details.

On the possibility of Business Edition version of the 1 Series and Mini, Steve Chater, BMW corporate operations manager, said: “We will look to discuss this with corporate customers and leasing companies so see if there is a need for it. We will also check that it makes sense with the residual guides. It has to add value.”