What is it?
BMW EfficientDynamics aims to keep fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as low as possible, while improving dynamics and your driving experience. The technology is standard in every new BMW, and encompasses everything from design concept to the drive system and energy management of your car.
By reducing the weight of vehicles, improving aerodynamics and harnessing energy, BMW is trying to make their cars as green as possible. Plus, new drive systems such as BMW eDrive combine an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and clever energy management to further reduce emissions and deliver an even more comfortable ride.
What are the main features?
You’ll notice right away some of the ways that EfficientDynamics works, while other aspects of the technology go about their business behind the scenes.
Automatic Start/Stop
All new BMWs are now fitted with Automatic Start/Stop as standard, cutting down on fuel consumption and emissions. The engine switches off when you’re waiting in traffic for instance, before quickly firing up when you’re ready to move off.
Optimum Shift Indicator
Changing gear at the right time is critical to economical driving, and BMW claim their Optimum Shift Indicator will help you use around 4% less fuel. As well as telling you the optimum moment to shift, it also recognises when you accelerate rapidly.
ECO PRO mode
If you don’t feel like adjusting your driving style to gain better efficiency, ECO PRO mode will do all the work for you, allowing you to save up to 20% of fuel without doing anything yourself. The amount you save is converted into a mileage on your display, giving you an instant indicator of how much more you’re getting out of your fuel tank.
Route-ahead assistant
This clever feature is part of ECO PRO mode, and will help you bring a higher level of efficiency to the way you drive. It does this by looking at the road ahead, from roundabouts and bends to speed limits and motorway exits, giving you tips on when to reduce your speed.
Coasting function
Also part of ECO PRO, this function cuts the power between the engine and drive in automatic cars, the second that the driver takes their foot of the accelerator without braking. This then allows the vehicle to ‘coast’ freely without resistance from the engine, using up less fuel and therefore reducing emissions in the process.
Brake energy regeneration
Using technology developed in Formula One racing, this feature harnesses the energy that’s usually lost when you brake. The system converts it to electrical energy which charges your battery instead, meaning the engine does less work and uses less fuel.
Electric power steering
The electric motor that powers this system is only fired up when you move the steering wheel, meaning less energy is used when you’re driving straight or through a long corner.
Common rail injection
By managing fuel injection closely from pre-injection to delivery with one common rail, both fuel efficiency and power are improved.
EfficientLightweight and aerodynamics
BMW is now using carbon more widely in the production of their cars, or carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) to be precise. Around 30% lighter than aluminium and 50% lighter than steel, it still provides exceptional protection. Along with lots of design improvements when it comes to aerodynamics, it creates a highly stable body and greater safety, plus improved handling and lower fuel consumption due to the weight loss.
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