26 MPG combined isn’t the main reason someone buys the 2020 BMW Z4 M40i, and it shouldn’t be. This isn’t a Prius; it’s a roadster built for open-air fun and twisting roads. Fuel economy is secondary to the thrilling sound of its turbocharged inline-six engine and the responsive handling the Z4 is known for. The M40i, in particular, has a lot of power and a well-tuned suspension that encourages spirited driving. Think of the 26 MPG as a fair tradeoff for the performance it offers, a necessary compromise to enjoy this driving experience without spending too much on gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2020 Z4 M40i are 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city number represents typical stop-and-go driving, where the engine idles more and accelerates from a stop often. The automatic transmission, while very responsive, will inherently use more fuel during low speed maneuvers. The highway rating shows the Z4’s ability to cruise efficiently at higher speeds. Its aerodynamic design and the engine’s strong torque allow it to maintain speed without using too much fuel. Drivers who often take long highway trips will likely see fuel economy closer to 31 MPG, while mostly city driving will likely result in slightly lower numbers. For complete details, you can browse Z4 MPG across all years.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 BMW Z4 M40i at $2,250. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year while using national average fuel prices. Remember that it’s just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will depend on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium fuel is recommended for the M40i), and local gas prices. Drivers who accelerate quickly and brake hard will spend more, while those who focus on saving fuel can potentially keep costs closer to this amount. The cost calculation is based on assumptions, so even a 50-cent increase in fuel prices will significantly impact your expenses.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a good starting point, real-world fuel economy can vary. The Z4 M40i encourages spirited driving, which reduces fuel efficiency. It’s tempting to push the engine and test the car’s cornering ability, but doing so will lead to lower MPG. However, drivers who are more relaxed can likely achieve results closer to, or even slightly better than, the EPA estimates. and external factors such as weather, traffic, and tire pressure can also affect fuel economy.

Consider the EPA numbers as a best-case scenario under ideal conditions. Expect your real-world MPG to change based on your driving and environment. This vehicle requires premium fuel, which is more expensive, leading to further expenses not immediately obvious when considering the reported 26 MPG.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2020 BMW Z4 M40i’s fuel economy is about what you’d expect for a performance roadster. The Porsche 718 Boxster S, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, gets about 22 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. The Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG 43, another direct competitor, offers around 20 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. The Audi TTS, despite its smaller 2.0-liter engine, achieves around 23 MPG city and 31 MPG highway. This shows the tradeoffs between power and efficiency. A buyer considering the Z4 M40i likely compares these vehicles, and while fuel economy usually isn’t the deciding factor, knowing the differences is important. These buyers are generally willing to sacrifice a few MPGs for the performance of these roadsters. See all Bmw fuel economy data for more information.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid fast acceleration. The Z4 M40i’s turbocharged engine provides a lot of power, but stepping hard on the gas often will reduce fuel economy. Gentle acceleration gets you up to speed efficiently and saves fuel.

Keep proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and using more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended levels, usually on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel, especially in the Z4 M40i’s inline-six engine. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern cars, including the Z4, are designed to restart quickly and efficiently.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. Avoid frequent speed changes, as they require more energy and use more fuel.

Anticipate traffic flow. By looking ahead and anticipating changes in traffic, you can avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. This smoother driving can improve fuel efficiency.