I have a 545i and I'm testing response in D vs DS. Of course I like DS much more but I'm wondering if MPG and overall performance takes a hit in DS. What do you all prefer with the steptronic on a 545i?

 

There's a school of thought that recommends accelerating to your desired speed as quickly as possible (on the grounds that a quick blast is more efficient than lazy acceleration). I don't find that MPG suffers much driving in DS, major thing is that DS doesn't use 6th so you'll lose a bit if you cruise in DS at freeway speeds. Perhaps accelerating quickly in DS then selecting D at cruising speed gives the best of both worlds

 

Currently I am getting better mileage in D than I used to when driving all the time in DS. I probably was driving somewhat more agressively when in DS, but, on the other hand, there's the school of thought that swaja mentions. I think you just will have to find out for yourself whether you get better mileage in D or DS. But, performance should be better the harder you drive your car in DS versus D.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone. The school of thought definitely revealed itself in my week of testing. Still learning about this car.