Modern cars are packed with features to improve fuel economy figures, and BMW is no different. A few years ago, BMW introduced different driving modes to their models, including an option called Eco Pro mode. These driving modes allowed you to ‘tell’ your BMW to behave in a certain way, limiting or increasing the performance to suit your driving needs.
This might all sound great, but in real life, how effective is a mode like Eco Pro – and what exactly does it change? In this article, we’ll look at what happens when you put your BMW into Eco Pro mode and if it’s as good as BMW claims.
Let’s get started!
What is Eco Pro Mode?
Let’s start by covering how BMW describes Eco Pro mode. They state that “ECO PRO automatically adjusts settings within your vehicle to make it more efficient”. Well, that sounds good, but it’s classic car manufacturer talk – what does it actually mean?
Once you select Eco Pro mode in your BMW, a few things happen. The most noticeable effect is that your available performance is limited, and the car responds slower when you put your foot down. This is due to a restriction on the engine’s throttle response, preventing you from reaching higher revs before changing gears.
For example, in my BMW 440i, when using Comfort mode (the default driving mode), the car changes gears around 2500 rpm if I’m driving normally (and in higher gears). If I’m in Eco Pro mode, that gear change will come at just under 2000 rpm. This difference stops my turbo from kicking in and using more fuel, and my gas mileage improves.
The engine in your BMW also performs a clever trick of cutting power when you’re coasting. If you’re moving and take your foot off the gas, the engine will cut out to save fuel and restart when you press any pedal. It’s worth mentioning this is only available in automatic models.
Alongside the impact on your engine, Eco Pro limits your climate controls and other comfort settings to use less energy in the cabin. These settings have a minimal impact, but Eco Pro mode is focused on complete efficiency.
How effective is Eco Pro mode?
So all those changes sound good, but how useful is Eco Pro mode? Going off my own experiences in my current BMW and my previous model, I’ve had mixed results with Eco Pro mode. Switching to this mode allows you to see how many miles you’ve ‘gained’ by driving in this setting instead of Comfort mode.
On short journeys (less than 30 minutes), I might save 1 or 2 miles of fuel, with longer journeys fairing better. For me, considering the power loss, it’s underwhelming, and I’ll only use Eco Pro mode on cross-country journeys.
BMW claims that Eco Pro mode will save you up to 20% fuel consumption. My best guess is that number is compared to a car in Sport mode, with full AC and heated seats turned on, driven aggressively. Eco mode definitely helps your fuel economy, but it’s not a revelation.
How To Access Eco Pro Mode
To access Eco Pro mode, there is a button on your BMW’s center console, along with other drive modes. By selecting Eco Pro, you should see your driver’s display turn blue, and some icons will change. To turn Eco Pro off, simply change to another drive mode from your center console.
Can you change any Eco Pro settings?
In the main infotainment menu, under ‘driving modes’ you can change various Eco Pro mode settings. These include:
- Eco Pro limit: this setting allows you to select a top speed for Eco Pro. If you exceed this speed, the car will change back into Comfort mode.
- Climate Control: this option allows you to choose if you want Eco Pro to affect the climate control functions. Deselecting this will allow you to use heated seats and AC as normal.
My Experiences Using Eco Pro Mode
I’ve owned 3 BMWs in the last 7 years, all with Eco Pro mode as a feature. In my day-to-day driving, I’ve rarely used the mode, and that’s a mixture of driving style and the results from Eco Pro. Most of my journeys are fairly short (under an hour driving) and on quiet roads outside of a city or town. In these situations, you have enough control over your speed and acceleration, and you can drive as carefully as you want, so Eco Pro has little impact.
When I have used Eco Pro in a city, there is a clear difference in the claimed MPG on your BMW. However, I think this was a result of my driving style because I knew I was in Eco Pro, and I tried to drive cautiously to get the best results.
On longer journeys, I’ve spent most of my time on the highway, Eco Pro has made a small difference to my fuel usage. Once you’re up to speed on these roads, the benefit of Eco Pro disappears, so I don’t bother trying to use it anymore.
Other BMW Driving Modes
Alongside Eco Pro, your BMW has a few other driving modes. The standard setting is Comfort mode, which is designed to be used for everyday driving. Next, you have Sport and, on some vehicles, a Sport+ mode.
The two Sport options are designed to give you more performance from your BMW at the cost of fuel. You can find out more about Sport and Sport+ here.
On recent M cars, BMW has also added specific ‘M’ modes that you can configure – we’ve covered these modes in detail here.
FAQs
Is Eco Pro mode available on BMW electric vehicles?
Yes, on current BMW electric vehicles (like the iX), you can access Eco Pro mode.
Is Eco Pro mode available on BMW hybrid vehicles?
Yes, Eco Pro mode is available on BMW hybrid models.
Is Eco Pro mode available on every BMW?
Eco Pro mode is available on every current BMW model.
Can you set Eco Pro as your default BMW mode?
No – your BMW will default to Comfort mode when starting.
Is it ok to drive in Eco Pro mode for a long journey?
It’s fine to drive your BMW in Eco Pro mode on long journeys – this will result in the best fuel economy gains.
Summary
Overall, the Eco Pro mode is a helpful feature in your BMW, but it won’t impress many drivers. You do see a benefit on your fuel consumption, but you will save far more fuel by driving carefully in Comfort than just sticking your BMW into Eco Pro.
If you liked this article and want to find out more about features across the BMW range, check out the articles below:
