For performance-minded customers, BMW can alternatively offer the M Sport brake, which combines high performance standards with sporty styling. Aluminium four-piston fixed callipers at the front and two-piston fixed callipers at the rear, and large brake discs, combine extremely low weight with very short stopping distances.

Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode: extra-sporty, more relaxed or more fuel-efficient driving modes - at the press of a button

Drivers are able to vary the overall character of the sedan depending on the driving situation or to suit their personal preferences. As well as sportier or more comfortable drive settings, they can also opt for extra fuel efficiency. The different modes are selected using the new Driving Experience Control function including ECO PRO mode, which is standard specification on all models.

Using the Driving Experience Control switch, the driver is able to customise accelerator response characteristics, engine response, the power steering characteristics and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) thresholds. If fitted, the Servotronic function, the automatic transmission and Dynamic Damper Control are integrated into the system too. Using the simple-to-operate rocker switch on the centre console, drivers can choose between ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes. Each of these predefined set-ups activates different settings for the relevant powertrain and suspension components.

In SPORT mode, for example, throttle response is even faster and the steering becomes even more direct. On vehicles with automatic transmission, the shift points are altered to provide a significantly sportier drive. Depending on vehicle specification, it is also possible to choose at one and the same time a sporty setting for powertrain components and a comfortable setting for suspension components - and vice versa. If the Professional navigation system is fitted, two gauges in a dynamics display on the instrument panel inform the driver how much power and torque are being used in the current driving situation.

A further button allows the driver to change the DSC settings. Selecting TRACTION mode, for example, makes it much easier to start off on loose surfaces or in deep snow. In this mode as well as in SPORT+ mode, the Dynamic Stability Control thresholds are raised and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is activated. It is also possible to shut off DSC altogether. The electronic limited-slip function for the rear differential can then provide extra-sporty acceleration out of corners or hairpins.

The new ECO PRO mode, meanwhile, supports an extra-efficient and economy-conscious driving style. It does this by changing the accelerator mapping so that the same pedal travel delivers less power than in the standard mode. Also in this mode, the Optimum Shift Indicator for manual models, and the transmission control strategy for automatic models, are modified so as to bring forward upshifts and to delay downshifts, while intelligent energy and climate management reduces the mechanical power consumption and also the consumption of electrical systems such as heated mirrors and seats. But the biggest factor influencing fuel consumption figures are the driver's own personal driving habits. That is why, with reference to the specific driving situation, electronic systems provide tips and incentives on how to develop a more economy-conscious driving style. Special displays in the instrument cluster let the driver know by how much the driving range is being extended and indicate his fuel consumption history. ECO PRO mode allows average fuel consumption to be reduced by up to 20 per cent, with a corresponding increase in driving range.