Another source:
http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/t...nsmission.html
"Sporty ambitions? Experience maximum dynamics, efficiency and driving comfort with the
optional 8-speed Sport automatic transmission:
its short shift times improve acceleration and aid sporty driving. The gentle gradation of the eight gears reduces the engine's rev interval between shifts, so the transmission process is barely noticeable. At the same time, the engine is always held at the rev level at which it can optimally utilise its strength – increasing dynamics and efficiency and reducing the noise level. The eighth gear reduces the number of revolutions at high speeds, tangibly increasing comfort while reducing fuel consumption and emissions."
Correct me if i'm wrong but don't you also get launch control with SAT?