Reaching 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds, the M35h Business Edition is also loaded with driver appeal, but not at the expense of fuel consumption. That’s 40.9mpg on the combined cycle, but with zero consumption, and zero CO2emissions, when the hybrid system employs silent all-electric power for driving in congested city streets.

There is good news too on the tax front. With on-the-road prices from £42,020 the P11D value is ultra competitive, particularly since there’s just the single option of metallic paint. Everything else on the Business Edition is standard, including advanced Connectiviti+ navigation. CO2 of 159g/km guarantees 18% Write Down Allowance (WDA), while on the personal tax front the M35h Business Edition falls into the 22% company car tax band for 2012/13.

No Business Edition would be complete without the most advanced safety features and the M35h Business Edition obliges with Bi-xenon Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), rear-view camera, parking sensors and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Whether the drive is for business or pleasure, comfort is looked after thanks to heated and ventilated front seats, semi-aniline leather seat trim, Forest Air® climate control, HDD Music Box and voice-recognition navigation, Bluetooth and USB connector.