Fuel-Efficient BMW Models
BMW will continue to use a range of fuel-saving technologies, while mostly avoiding the "H" word: Hybrid. It's more likely that the company will continue roll out high-performance clean diesel models, like the BMS 335d.
Taking a wide-reaching portfolio approach to reducing fuel use and emissions, BMW is using any technology that yields greater efficiencies—as long as it doesn’t undermine the performance of “the ultimate driving machine.” There's a reason for buying a BMW, right?
What’s in the portfolio? Stop-start systems (also known as micro-hybrids), regenerative braking, low resistance tires, optimized drivetrains, lightweight construction, electric power steering, and even gear shift indicators informing the driver when to upshift or downshift for maximum efficiency. BMW calls these systems “efficient dynamics”—a code word for making large fast engines a little more conservative. The company is mostly avoiding the term "hybrid," which is perhaps too wimpy for its brand image.
BMW also rolled out two pricey clean diesel vehicles in late 2008, and continues to experiment with limited-run hydrogen-powered cars. See our list of BMW models and read the latest news about the company's fuel efficient models.
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BMW Fuel Efficient Vehicles
| Sort by: | Name | Combined MPG  | Technology | MSRP | Available | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BMW 335d | 29 MPG | Diesel | $44,700 | Now | The 3-series with a 3.0-liter biturbo inline-six diesel powerplant. |
 | BMW X5 xDrive35d | 23 MPG | Diesel | $52,000 | Now | High-performance, luxury SUV. Now more efficient as a diesel. |
 | BMW X6 Hybrid | 18 MPG | Hybrid | $90,000 | 2010 | An SUV that has crossed over into sports car territory. |
 | BMW ActiveHybrid 7 | n/a | Hybrid | n/a | 2010 | The fastest-accelerating hybrid sedan in the world |
 | BMW Hydrogen 7 | n/a | Hydrogen | n/a | Concept | The BMW Hydrogen 7— essentially a 7 Series sedan—burns sub-zero liquid hydrogen in its conventional V-12 engine. |
Top news for BMW
German Hybrids Arrive, With Big Engines and Big Price Tags- Nearly 10 years since the first hybrids hit US roads, BMW and Mercedes both announced pricing this week for their first gas-electric hybrids arriving in showrooms this month. The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will sell for $89,725. The Mercedes ML 450 Hybrid will only be offered on a lease of $659 a month for 36 months, or $549 a month for 60 months.
European Carmakers Embrace Plug-in Cars- The growing list of part- or pure-electric cars to be displayed at next week’s Frankfurt Auto Show establishes a new litmus test for green cars at auto shows: Cars without plugs are behind the times.
BMW’s Green Sports Car Fantasy- “It’s the sports car of the future, the way BMW imagines it.” That’s how Adrian van Hooydonk, director of BMW’s group design, describes the “BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics” two-door concept vehicle to be unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show. Think of it as a showcase of the many fuel-efficient technologies that BMW has in various stages of development.
Germany Spurs Its Automakers to Produce Electric Cars- Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ruling coalition parties pledged this week to spend more than $700 million by 2011 on developing electric vehicles, as it tries to put 1 million electric vehicles on German roads by 2020. The preliminary plan, still short on details, is already meeting resistance for not going far enough.
BMW Hybrids Arrive Late to Game, And Wrong One - BMW announced today that its first hybrid, the ActiveHybrid X6, will make its world premier at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and will arrive in US showrooms in late 2009. BMW will also show the ActiveHybrid 7—which will reach the US in Spring 2010—in Frankfurt. The two BMW vehicles once again beg the question: Isn’t using less petroleum supposed to be the point of a hybrid?
Exclusive Spy Photos: BMW X6 Hybrid Near SC Plant- BMW’s first hybrid scheduled to hit the market, the 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, is moving closer to production. We have exclusive spy photos taken this morning, near BMW’s Spartenburg, SC manufacturing facility. The company’s test driver said the X6 hybrid vehicles are starting to roll off the production line and will be introduced at the end of this year.
Mini Electric Car Drivers: BMW “Botched” Program- As we reported last month, BMW has encountered several problems with its program to evaluate the all-electric Mini E with real-world drivers. The program continues to stumble, as drivers and activists accuse BMW of establishing the program merely to meet regulations, while delivering a sub-standard product. Meanwhile, BMW is planning to deliver the City—its first production electric car—in 2011.
BMW X1 Clean Diesel Bound for US?- BMW could bring a clean diesel version of the X1, its new compact crossover vehicle, to the US by 2011. “We’re hoping that by 2011, overall diesel sales will have ramped up in the US,” a source at BMW, who asked not to be named, told HybridCars.com. “If America starts to embrace diesel, it will allow us to market this vehicle with more confidence.” The clean diesel X1 would become the only vehicle in either the luxury class or the small SUV segment to offer more than 40 miles to the gallon in the United States.
BMW Hybrid Spotted in the Wild- There are numerous reports coming out about a BMW 7-Series hybrid having been spotted on German roadways with no camouflage to hide itself. The car is being labeled as the 755ih, but this is purely an Internet-generated model name… at least for now.
BMW Clean Diesels Earn Tax Credit- Two clean diesel vehicles from BMW have qualified for the federal “Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Tax Credit.” Buyers of the 335d sedan will be eligible for up to $900, and X5 xDrive35d buyers will receive up to $1,800.