BMW MINI doubling its mileage

BMW MINIs are surprisingly inefficient. You'd think that such a small car would have some impressive stats, but city / highway ratings for MINI models top out at 23 / 31. BMW is working on the problem, however. The MINI Cooper D will be receiving the same treatment as a few other BMW models: regenerative braking systems and auto start-stop functionality that will as much as double mileage of the vehicle.

BMW's regenerative braking system uses an Intelligent Alternator Control (IAC), which improves upon traditional alternators "by only engaging when required to charge the battery," and collecting energy when the car is coasting or slowing down.

Other technologies used are an auto start-stop function and a switch point display. The former turns the engine off when at a stop, and restarts automatically when the clutch is used, while the latter lets the driver know which is the most efficient gear after analyzing the "speed, road situation and accelerator pedal position".

With their previous and current ventures into regenerative braking, BMW seems to be going not for an eco-stance, but for their mainstay of a premium driving experience. It's not as awesome as an all-electric MINI, but it seems like a pretty good deal for BMW owners as well as the rest of the world.

Via: Green Car Congress.