Whether the goal is maximum performance or minimum fuel consumption – for BMW, the focus is always on delivering quintessential BMW driving pleasure. BMW EfficientDynamics is the strategy developed by BMW to minimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while simultaneously increasing dynamics and driving pleasure. It is a comprehensive technology package that encompasses the engine, energy management and the vehicle concept – and comes with every BMW.

The new generation of petrol and diesel engines in the BMW TwinPower Turbo family is responsible for the improved performance and lower fuel consumption. Optimised aerodynamics contribute to increasing efficiency, as does BMW EfficientLightweight, which simultaneously lowers weight and increases vehicle rigidity by using the right materials for the right parts. This is testament to the impressive innovation leadership at BMW, the only major car manufacturer that relies on ultralight and highly rigid carbon fibre (CFRP) as a key material. It is a comprehensive collection of technologies, including an intelligent energy management system and the optional ECO PRO mode, which supports driving that optimises fuel consumption. BMW also focuses on forward-thinking drivetrain concepts such as the BMW eDrive technology with a 100% electric drivetrain and plug-in hybrids.

As well as developing lightweight construction concepts and an intelligent mix of materials, the BMW EfficientLightweight programme also stands for consistent detail optimisation in all components.

The application of aluminium, highly rigid steel, magnesium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), from which the Carbon Core is created, contribute to the massive, targeted reduction in vehicle weight, while at the same time increasing vehicle stability. This is evident by a reduction in weight of up to 130 kilogrammes in comparison with the previous generation, in spite of extended comfort and safety functions. In addition, the intelligent hybrid construction and weight-optimising joining technologies work together to guarantee a balanced distribution of mass and further lower the centre of gravity.

With these developments, BMW EfficientLightweight sets new standards in intelligent lightweight construction. In comparison to the comparable model of the previous generation, the new BMW 7 Series saves an additional 25% in CO² emissions. This saving occurs along the entire value chain (from raw material extraction to production, transport distances to recycling), through optimized production processes (optimised usage of materials, renewable energies in BMW production) and sustainable product features (secondary aluminium, recycled thermoplastic synthetic materials).

A core element of BMW EfficientLightweight in the BMW 7 Series is to use an innovative mixed construction for the body. Using steel, aluminium and in particular innovative carbon fibre (carbon fibre–reinforced plastic, CFRP) not only meets all the requirements for driving dynamics and comfort, but also sets whole new standards in the luxury class.

At the centre of the holistic concept stands the Carbon Core, showcasing its weight advantage compared with steel in the torsional stiffness of the body. Together with a consistent weight reduction from the broad concept down to the smallest detail, this achieves an almost perfect 50:50 axle load distribution and drops the centre of gravity even further. In short, this spells out the ideal car DNA for maximum driving comfort while still boasting an improvement in handling and agility as well as low fuel consumption and emissions.

In this way, BMW EfficientDynamics intelligently connects the ultimate in efficiency with maximum driving dynamics, and demonstrates its technological capabilities in the field of innovative lightweight construction.

Aerodynamics are an important area and play a crucial part in optimising the countless demands made of a vehicle – like air resistance, driving stability and acoustics.

In terms of BMW EfficientDynamics, the most crucial role is played by air resistance, and therefore also the so-called drag coefficient as a measure for streamlining. This is determined to 40% through the proportions of the body, 20% through the undercarriage, 30% through the wheels and wheel arches and 10% through the functional apertures. Wheel arches and functional apertures offer the most effective areas for optimisation, since the basic form is determined to a large degree by vehicle design and the undercarriage is already completely clad.

Air resistance is most markedly reduced by the Air Breather and the Air curtain on the front wheel arches as well as the Active air stream kidney grille with its visible air vents between the grille slats to electrically open and close the air inlet in front of the radiator when needed. Additionally, the 2-axle air suspension automatically lowers the vehicle by 10 mm at speeds over 120 km/h, further reducing air resistance. Air resistance on this vehicle has been reduced by up to 10 % thanks to developments made to the previous model.

• Active air stream kidney grille
• Air Curtain
• Air Breather

The 8-speed Steptronic transmission sets new benchmarks in comfort and dynamic performance and is a key element of BMW EfficientDynamics. The unusually fine increments between gears facilitate optimum power delivery at all speeds. This reduces fuel consumption significantly, while allowing the driver to enjoy increased sportiness and dynamic performance. The engine speed is reduced, particularly at high speeds, which in turn reduces both fuel consumption and engine noise.

The converter clutch also helps – even if the car is changed to the manual mode. The fast engine speed transitions and precise transmission tuning guarantee incredibly smooth gearshifts.

Integrated functions – such as the predictive drivetrain, the constant monitoring of the vehicle’s movements and the traffic situation – considerably affect the way the transmission shifts gears. Regardless of the current driving mode, the system always selects the most suitable gear. The transmission control unit is linked to the navigation system, so depending on the route, the predictive drivetrain switches between a more athletic, responsive setting (SPORT mode) and a more comfortable setting with fewer gear shifts (COMFORT mode).

Standard features of the intelligent energy management in the BMW 7 Series include the BMW EfficientDynamics technologies Automatic Start/Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and electric power steering. These technologies working together ensure sustainable mobility and maximum efficiency.

The illustrations shown here are subject to change.

• Automatic Start/Stop function
• Brake Energy Regeneration
• Electric power steering

Even when standing still, the BMW 5 Series creates a powerful impression. In the seventh generation of the sportiest business saloon, kidney grille and headlights are directly linked for the first time ever. The low roof line sloping to the rear lends the muscular body an elegant coupé-like silhouette. And the broad rear emphasises the high performance capacity of the BMW 5 Series.

• Coasting
• Route-ahead assistant
• ECO PRO route
• Adaptive Mode