Every time the brakes are hit, kinetic energy is generated and until recently this energy went unused. Brake Energy Regeneration takes advantage of this long-overlooked potential. It harnesses the coasting energy that is generated whenever the driver brakes or takes his or her foot off the accelerator and turns it into electricity. This electricity is then used to charge the car battery. The intelligent energy management system means that the alternator no longer needs to run constantly, which reduces the strain on the generator. The result: reduced fuel consumption and increased performance – classic BMW EfficientDynamics.

Optimum, perfectly-timed gear changes can help save fuel, particularly in urban traffic and over long distances. Change gears at the right time, use less fuel – the engine’s electronics system identifies the most efficient gear, based on road conditions and engine speed. An arrow lights up in the Info Display to show when it would be more efficient to shift into a higher or lower gear. The system also recognises quick acceleration, and will delay its recommendation accordingly until the engine speed is up. Comparative tests have shown that vehicles with the Optimum Shift Indicator use around four percent less fuel.