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By EWAN
KENNEDY
11 May 2009
BMW has taken the interesting route of giving its
cleanest, most economical models the special title of BMW
“EfficientDynamics” to highlight the serious work the company
is putting into emission reduction.
The introduction of BMW EfficientDynamics means that most updated
and new BMW models have lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions
but, importantly for a marque that prides itself on its sporting
note, has achieved this with no change to performance.
Many of these fuel efficient models are being introduced to
Australia and, pleasingly, ours is the first market to offer such
a comprehensive array of the BMW technologies outside of the
European Union. Thus indicating just how seriously our market is
being treated by the upmarket German marque.
Technologies to achieve these impressive results include an Auto
Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, gearshift point
indicator and active aerodynamics (the latter shutting off
exterior air vents when airflow is not required). Not all of these
features are installed in every model, contact your BMW dealer for
an rundown on what is fitted to what.
This use of EfficientDynamics is in addition to existing clean
technologies used in current BMWs. Features like on-demand use of
ancillary units, lightweight carbon fibre and thermoplastic
panels, underfloor aerodynamics, aluminium/magnesium engine
blocks, high-precision injection petrol engines and third
generation common-rail injection diesel engines.
The initial impact of the expanded range of BMW EfficientDynamics
technologies will be to reduce fuel consumption and CO2
emissions on the equipped models by an average of almost seven per
cent. Some models have received a fuel consumption reduction of 10
per cent or better, including the BMW 120d, BMW 130i, BMW 125i
convertible, BMW 320d sedan and the BMW 530d sedan.
In total, nearly half of BMW’s model line-up in Australia will
be improved by the introduction of the new technologies.
Signalling BMW’s lead in the field of delivering both efficiency
and performance, the company now offers more models equipped with
fuel saving measures than any other brand in Australia – all
without sacrificing power, torque or performance.
In addition to this current BMW EfficientDynamics offensive, the
company will furthermore expand its range of vehicles equipped
with fuel saving technologies within the next twelve months.
Australian deliveries of vehicles equipped with EfficientDynamics
technologies will commence this month. BMW Australia has realigned
the recommended retail pricing of affected models. The greatest
change is the BMW 530d, which reduces in price by $2163 due to
reductions in the Luxury Car Tax applying to it. Across all
updated BMW models, there is an average price increase of
approximately $550, or less than one per cent.
The BMW 120d manual, offered in Australia for the first time,
features the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration
and gearshift point indicator. The new model is BMW’s most
efficient vehicle in Australia with a combined fuel consumption
figure of 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2
emissions of just 128 grams per kilometre. The BMW 120d equipped
with the six-speed automatic has an 11 per cent reduction in CO2
emissions thanks to the addition of Brake Energy Regeneration,
dropping from 162 to 144 grams per kilometre. Fuel consumption is
reduced from 6.1 to 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
The combined fuel consumption for the BMW 125i Convertible has
fallen by a litre to 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres, representing a
reduction of 11 per cent. C02 emissions have been reduced by a
useful 10 per cent.
Changes have been made to many other models throughout the BMW
range, including the 3, 5 and 7 Series and the X3 SUV. Just as
significant is that it also applies to the just launched Z4
roadster.
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Marque Publishing Company
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