BMW has announce a number of improvements to their range to save fuel and cut emissions.  The technology under the EfficientDynamics program includes technology such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop, Optimum gear shift indicator, Electric Power Steering, Active aerodynamics and low rolling resistance tyres.

BMW 118d

BMW’s most fuel efficient production car of modern times has set a new benchmark courtesy of advanced engineering. The BMW 118d now records a staggering 62.8mpg on the combined cycle and CO₂ emissions of 119g/km – putting it into the Band B category for Vehicle Excise Duty. The BMW 118d now costs just £35 a year to tax.

The 143hp 2.0-litre-engined 118d employs Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop, Electric Power Steering and low rolling resistance tyres to help cut fuel bills and emissions. An optimum gearshift change indicator is included to encourage economical motoring. These innovations are in addition to the use of variable valve technologies and high-precision direct injection engines on some 1 Series models that further aid engine performance.

BMW 3 Series

BMW’s biggest selling model range will now come equipped with a raft of EfficientDynamics fuel saving and emissions cutting measures in a move that also harmonises engine line-up across all 3 Series body styles. The technology sees fuel consumption figures improve by up to 24 per cent and CO₂ emissions drop by as much as 19 per cent. Conversely drivers will be able to enjoy engines with outputs that increase by up to 21hp.

EfficientDynamics programme was initially launched on the 1 Series and 5 Series ranges and elements of the programme will now feature across the entire 3 Series model range from September. All diesel-powered BMW 3 Series models now come as standard with Diesel Particulate Filters to reduce harmful emissions.

The biggest selling 318i, 318d and 320d models record some of the most improved figures. The 318i with its 1,995cc engine now comes with an extra 14hp, up from 129hp, but 47.9mpg economy on the combined cycle (a 24 per cent improvement) and CO₂ emissions that are slashed by 19 per cent to 142g/km.

The new BMW engines used in the 318d and 320d are similarly impressive. In the case of the 318d output is up by 17 per cent to 143hp, fuel consumption improves to 60.1mpg (19 per cent more economical) and CO₂ emissions are cut by 18 per cent to 123g/km.  The 320d’s output rises from 163hp to 177hp while fuel consumption improves 19 per cent to 58.9mpg. CO₂ emissions drop by 16 per cent to 128g/km.

New engine for BMW 520d

BMW’s best selling 5 Series gets a new engine in September that showcases increased power output while economy and emissions figures both improve at the same time. The new four-cylinder single-turbocharged powerplant has an output of 177hp, up from 163hp compared to the previous 520d. Such an improvement has also led to improved performance figures.

A BMW 520d has always made sound financial sense and with the new 1,995cc engine in place further monetary incentive is on offer. The model achieves greater fuel economy with a combined 55.4mpg figure. A CO₂ emissions figure of 136g/km sees the vehicle drop into Band C for Vehicle Excise Duty saving an owner further expenditure. Similar impressive figures are achieved with the new engine in the Touring model. The 520d Touring has a zero to 62mph time of 8.5 seconds, a combined consumption figure of 53.3mpg and 140g/km emissions.

The powerplant in the 520d achieves its class-leading performance figures courtesy of EfficientDynamics technology. The BMW 520d Saloon costs from £27,190 OTR while the 520d Touring costs from £29,200 OTR

Revised BMW X3

The most popular model in the BMW X3 range is to receive a boost following the introduction of a revised engine with EfficientDynamics technology. The new BMW X3 2.0d comes with a 1,995cc engine offering 177hp, up 27hp compared to the previous model, and 350Nm of torque, up 20Nm.

Enhanced engine output results in better performance figures for the model that accounts for 70 per cent of X3 sales in the UK. The X3 2.0d now records an 11 per cent improvement in fuel consumption attaining 43.5mpg on the combined cycle. The vehicle’s CO₂ emissions also fall 10 per cent from 191g/km to 172g/km seeing it drop into Band E for Vehicle Excise Duty.

To complete the picture of X3 2.0d revisions, the model is now offered with the option of BMW’s Steptronic automatic transmission. The six-speed gearbox is available on both SE and M Sport variants of the X3 2.0d at a cost of £1,470. The introduction of an automatic gearbox to the model satisfies customer demand but has a limited impact on performance figures compared to a manual gearbox. An auto-equipped BMW X3 2.0d still maintains 42.2mpg on the combined cycle and posts a 178g/km emissions figure.

Other models in the BMW X3 range also receive EfficientDynamics technology and a consequential improvement in overall performance. The next two popular models in the range, the X3 3.0d and 3.0sd, both see fuel consumption improve by seven per cent and 11 per cent to 38.2mpg and 36.2mpg respectively on the combined cycle. CO₂ emissions on both those models also fall by seven and 10 per cent. This results in the BMW X3 3.0sd joining the 2.5si in dropping a tier in Vehicle Excise Duty from Band G to Band F making for a £95 annual saving.

214g/km tax-busting BMW X5 3.0d

A new BMW X5 3.0d goes on sale in October with a revised powerplant for lower emissions and improved economy. The new X5 is now the only conventionally-powered vehicle in its segment with a CO₂ emissions figure that falls below the highest 225g/km banding for Vehicle Excise Duty.

Engineers have utilised BMW’s EfficientDynamics know-how and applied it to the BMW X5 3.0d to achieve this impressive result. The new model now comes with Brake Energy Regeneration and various needs-only control of ancillary devices. An air-conditioning compressor that decouples from the drivetrain when not in use and air flaps that can close off air flow to the engine to improve aerodynamics when the engine is not at full load are two such examples. All of these features enable the model to produce a CO₂ emission figure of 214g/km – a drop of 17g/km compared to the previous model.

The changes on the X5 3.0d have resulted in the vehicle now qualifying for Band F instead of Band G Vehicle Excise Duty, saving owners £95 a year. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle also improves from 32.5mpg to 34.9mpg.