Thanks for all the replies everyone.
To round off the discussion, I was looking at changing jobs which meant giving up my company car (i5) for a car allowance (9k). That’s basically why I was looking at leasing as i didn’t fancy getting into an older vehicle every day
After tax, there was no way I could get an equivalent (plus insurance etc) for the allowance and even 3 series / c class were out of reach
I had reached the conclusion that I was probably going to buy outright a 2022(72) 320i touring (I can’t charge at home) with the new dash as the best value option.
As it turns out, I am staying where I am but it was a fun exercise anyway
Given my preference for a relatively new BMW / Merc, I’m interested if anyone would have chosen differently? As there was the possibility of charging at the new location my other thoughts were a 330e touring , x1 or even ix1 (touring because it’s a pain getting the fishing gear in the i5)