The six-speed or eight-speed Steptronic transmission sets new benchmarks in comfort and dynamic performance and is a key element of BMW EfficientDynamics. The particularly fine increments between gears facilitate optimum power delivery at all speeds. This reduces fuel consumption significantly, while allowing the driver to enjoy increased sportiness and dynamic performance. At high speeds in particular, the additional gears reduce engine speed, in turn decreasing both fuel consumption and engine noise.

The torque converter also helps, even if the car is in manual mode. In combination with the fast engine speed transitions and the precise transmission tuning, it provides a very high level of shifting comfort and reduces noise considerably.

The eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission makes changing gears exceptionally smooth thanks to fast engine speed transitions and shorter shift times. It adapts to suit individual driving styles, and is perfect for everything from comfortable cruising through to dynamic driving. In addition to automatic gear selection, it is of course possible to shift gears manually at any time. This is done using the gear lever, or the gearshift paddles on the Sport leather steering wheel or M leather steering wheel.

In Sport mode, the gear shifts are configured for maximum performance. Acceleration is optimised due to very finely tuned gradation of the eight gears. What is more, the engine is continually optimised to guarantee the best possible performance and driving characteristics. Maximum acceleration from a standing start is made possible by Launch Control: this feature shifts automatically in order to make use of the engine's optimum rpm range. Additional sport-oriented shift programmes guarantee an exceptionally dynamic driving experience, with shorter shift and reaction times and the capacity for multiple downshifts.

Launch Control allows a warm engine to achieve maximum acceleration from a standing start. The Steptronic sport transmission constantly sets the gearshift points so that when shifting up, the next optimal engine speed is available. This feature is destined to exhilarate drivers with dynamic, sporty ambitions.

BMW Performance Control distributes engine and braking control to the individual wheels when turning. Since the wheel on the outside edge of a curve covers more ground than the one on the inside, BMW Performance Control intervenes by adjusting engine output and through targeted braking: the outer wheels receive more power, the inner ones less, so that all of the wheels operate with maximum traction. This means that the vehicle practically turns itself, increasing driving safety and comfort.

Servotronic power steering creates a direct steering experience while simultaneously improving agility and driving comfort. In order to guarantee characteristic BMW steering precision in combination with front-wheel drive, the electromechanical steering is perfectly calibrated to the new drive concept. The servo unit and steering gear are combined in a single component. That means that the steering system functions with particularly little friction.

In order to provide a precise and interference-free steering experience, the electronic steering works to counter the otherwise perceptible drive forces with electromechanical force in the steering gear at a level calculated by the Dynamic Stability Control. This drive-force compensation results in a level of steering precision that is on par with that of a vehicle with rear-wheel drive.

The very rigid front end and the precise axle kinematics contribute to the vehicle's exceptional steering characteristics. The electromagnetic power steering wins over drivers with its accuracy and its direct responsiveness, as well as with the reduced steering effort required while parking.

Variable Sport Steering (optional on selected models) creates a direct and agile steering response with less physical effort when turning. It reacts to the angle of the steering wheel independently from the current speed with various steering ratios. This reduces the steering movement required when steering at particularly large angles. This significantly increases agility and improves handling when driving dynamically through sharp turns, along narrow roads or when making sudden swerves. It also makes parking, turning and manoeuvring more comfortable. For small steering angles, the system provides excellent directional stability and a high degree of steering precision.