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BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé
UNIQUE DYNAMICS. UNIQUE FUEL EFFICIENCY.
BMW EfficientDynamics in the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé.
The sportiness of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is always accompanied by outstanding efficiency. This is a result of BMW EfficientDynamics, a comprehensive package of measures and technologies that increase dynamics while, at the same time, reducing emissions. The special aerodynamics catch the eye immediately, but there are also many other technologies working away in the background. They make their presence felt in the form of reduced fuel consumption and increased driving pleasure.
ENERGY MANAGEMENT.
Automatic Start/Stop function
The Automatic Start/Stop function makes sure that fuel is only used when the car is actually driving. When the vehicle comes to a temporary standstill, for example at traffic lights or in stop-and-go traffic, the Automatic Start/Stop function saves fuel by switching off the engine as soon as the car is idling and the foot is off the clutch (manual transmission), or when the car brakes to a complete standstill (automatic transmission).
A signal in the Info Display indicates that the Automatic Start/Stop function is active. As soon as the clutch is pressed (manual transmission) or the foot taken from the brake (automatic transmission), the engine turns itself back on automatically.
The Automatic Start/Stop function never compromises driving comfort and safety, as it remains inactive if the engine has not reached its ideal running temperature, the interior has not yet been sufficiently heated/cooled, if the battery level is too low or if the steering wheel is being turned. A central control unit restarts the engine if required, even when the car is at a standstill. For example, if the car starts to roll forward or if the windscreen becomes foggy. The Automatic Start/Stop function can be switched off at any time with the push of a button.
Brake Energy Regeneration
Every time you brake, kinetic energy is generated, and until recently, this energy has gone 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 their 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 permanently, which reduces the strain on the generator. The result is reduced fuel consumption and increased performance which is typical of BMW EfficientDynamics.
Optimum Shift Indicator
Optimal, perfectly-timed gear changes can help save fuel, particularly in urban environments and over long distances. The engine’s electronics system identifies the most efficient gear based on the driving situation and engine speed, translating optimal gear changes into less fuel consumption. 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 when the car is accelerating quickly and will delay its recommendation accordingly until the engine speed has increased. Comparative tests have shown that vehicles with the Optimum Shift Indicator use around 4 percent less fuel.
Electric Power Steering
Every time the driver steers, energy is consumed. But why should energy be consumed when the wheel is not being turned? BMW Electric Power Steering is only active when it is needed. Unlike conventional hydraulic steering systems, BMW EPS only uses energy when the wheel is actively being turned. When the steering wheel is static e.g. when driving straight ahead along a highway at high speed, the electric motor is inactive.
AERODYNAMICS.
The entire vehicle design is a testament to the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy. The optimised, aerodynamic front apron and undercarriage feature innovative improvements that reduce air resistance and fuel consumption.
The front apron is a prominent design feature that embodies the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy. The integrated Air Curtain channels air through two vertical air inlets and along the front wheel arches. The accelerated air flow creates a kind of “curtain” on the outer side of the wheels. Then there is the Air Breather, which channels the air flow at the front wheels. These innovative technologies reduce turbulence and air resistance, which in turn reduces fuel consumption.
The flat undercarriage cover, which also shields the engine compartment, is an additional detail that greatly improves the car’s aerodynamics. These new trim elements are highly advantageous in terms of aerodynamics. They also improve sound insulation and provide greater protection from rust.
Air Breather
The Air Breather is located behind both front wheel arches and is one of the innovations used to optimise the vehicle's aerodynamics. Together with the Air Curtain in the front apron, the Air Breather greatly reduces turbulence and accurately channels the air flow. This decreases air resistance, thereby reducing the vehicle’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
ECO PRO MODE.
The ECO PRO Mode helps drivers reduce their fuel consumption by up to 20 percent, depending on their driving style – according to an internal BMW fuel consumption study.
Another 5 percent can be saved by using the coasting function (only with the 8-speed Automatic Transmission Steptronic) or ECO PRO Route (only with the Navigation System Professional or Business).
ECO PRO Route shows the most efficient route based on the traffic situation, driving style and road conditions. The on-board computer displays the percentage of fuel that can be saved by driving along the route selected by ECO PRO Route.
LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION.
Thanks to lightweight construction, every gram shed from the vehicle’s weight increases driving pleasure. With less weight to move, less energy is required.
BMW has applied this knowledge to vehicle construction since the 1930s, constantly improving along the way. The BMW engineers constantly confront questions like where does it make sense to reduce weight? And where would it be impractical? The result is intelligent lightweight construction. This involves the use of ultra-light materials such as magnesium, aluminium and CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic) in carefully targeted areas of the vehicle.
BMW TWINPOWER TURBO TECHNOLOGY.
In petrol engines, BMW TwinPower Turbo technology combines a TwinScroll turbocharger with Valvetronic, including Double-VANOS and High Precision Injection.
In the diesel engines, specially optimised turbocharger technologies are combined with the latest generation CommonRail direct injection and variable turbine geometry. BMW TwinPower Turbo significantly reduces the fuel consumption of BMW petrol and diesel engines, while at the same time boosting power output across a wide range of engine speeds.