Selecting a new car can be something of a minefield whether you're planning to buy the vehicle in question or are intending to lease it. One brand you can trust, however, is BMW – and here are just some of the reasons why it's such a good option.

1. Safety

BMW has put a lot of effort into ensuring the passengers in its cars are well protected in the event of an accident. According to the most recent ratings by Euro NCAP – the continent's independent auto safety assessor – the BMW 1, 3 and 5 Series models all received five stars, with the X1 and X3 vehicles being awarded the same assessment.

Of these, the 3 and 5 Series cars came out on top for driver safety, each receiving a score of 95 per cent, while the BMW X1 was best for child passengers with its rating of 86 per cent for their safety.

Whether you are looking for a BMW lease contract for business purposes or want one of these vehicles as a family car, you can rest assured it has a robust safety rating.

2. Environmental credentials

This might not be at the top of everyone's list when looking for a new car but, generally speaking, autos that are considered to be environmentally friendly are also fuel efficient, which saves you money at the pumps.

The miles per gallon you get from your BMW will vary depending on the model you choose and its engine size, while some of the latest vehicles from the automaker are equipped with its EfficientDynamics features, which are designed to further improve a car's fuel consumption.

3. Performance

BMW has a reputation for delivering outstanding driving performance with all the models it offers. These cars are incredibly comfortable when you're behind the wheel, which is essential for any businesspeople who are covering long distances every week.

These vehicles are excellent on long drives, where you are able to cruise at a consistent speed. They are equally at home on city and town roads where the traffic is less free-flowing, especially if you pick one of the cars equipped with auto start-stop technology, which turns the engine off whenever you are not moving and the vehicle is out of gear.

BMWs are also well known for their reliability, so you need not be overly concerned about the possibility of your car breaking down. Of course, things can go wrong on the best of cars, which is why it's essential that you have a comprehensive roadside assistance policy in place whether you own or rent your motor.

4. Variety of models

One of the great things about BMW, especially for business customers, is the sheer variety of cars the automaker produces. There is everything from hatchback and estate vehicles to convertibles and coupe models on offer. This means, no matter what you're looking for, you can find an auto that suits your requirements.

If you need extra space for transporting bulky equipment around with you, a BMW estate will be ideal, while more compact hatchbacks are perfect for city driving where you may need to park in tight spaces.

From family cars to sporty motors, BMW really does cover all the bases. When you couple its extensive selection of cars with its reputation for quality and comfort, you'll discover it's hard to beat what the German car manufacturer has to offer.