17 MPG combined is the price to enter the exclusive club of high-performance four-door coupes, especially when that coupe is powered by a hand-built 4.4L twin-turbo V8 producing over 600 horsepower. The 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe is at the top of BMW’s lineup, a machine engineered for thrilling performance and daily usability, even if that daily usability means frequent trips to the gas station.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the M8 Gran Coupe gets 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures show the necessary trade-offs for a vehicle prioritizing power and performance. The city figure highlights how much gas a large displacement, turbocharged engine uses in stop-and-go conditions, which is not its ideal environment. The 21 MPG highway rating is more acceptable, suggesting some cruising efficiency, but it’s still not class-leading. The eight-speed automatic transmission (S8) is programmed for quick shifts under hard acceleration, and it’s also geared to maximize fuel efficiency when cruising. Choosing the right mode helps a lot.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe will cost $3,400 per year in fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway. It also assumes current national average fuel prices, which can change. $3,400 is an EPA estimate, not a promise. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how you drive, the fuel you buy, and local fuel prices. The annual fuel cost is a significant part of the M8 Gran Coupe’s total cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy in the M8 Gran Coupe will change a lot depending on driving habits. Someone who mainly drives short trips in cities, pushing the engine’s power often, will likely see numbers near or below the 15 MPG city rating. However, a driver who uses the M8 Gran Coupe for long highway trips, driving more calmly, might see numbers near or slightly above the 21 MPG highway estimate. Aggressive driving will waste any potential gains. It is critical to check M8 MPG across all years to manage your expectations.

How it compares

The M8’s fuel economy is predictably low compared to its competitors. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe, another high-performance four-door with a twin-turbo V8, gets a similar 17 MPG combined. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S, which also has great performance, gets around 18 MPG combined. An Audi RS7 is closest, also achieving 17 MPG combined. However, compared to more common luxury sedans or even performance SUVs, the M8 Gran Coupe uses noticeably more fuel. The BMW M550i xDrive offers a lot of performance but gets around 20 MPG combined. The M8 Gran Coupe buyer isn’t concerned about that; they value power and exclusivity more than saving on gas. This is a lifestyle choice, not a way to save money. For all all Bmw fuel economy data, FuelEconomyHub is your first and last stop.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Try not to constantly use the V8’s full power. The M8 Gran Coupe’s engine responds quickly, and it’s tempting to accelerate hard. Gentle acceleration and keeping a steady speed will greatly improve fuel economy. Use the car’s driving modes wisely. Comfort mode gives a more relaxed throttle and optimized shifting for efficiency, while Sport and Sport+ focus on performance. Save the latter modes for when you really want to use the car’s capabilities and switch back to Comfort for everyday driving.

Make sure your tires are inflated properly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressures often and inflate them to the recommended levels, which are on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. Think about your route carefully. Avoiding stop-and-go traffic and crowded areas will reduce fuel use. If possible, plan your trips to use routes with fewer traffic lights and more consistent speeds.

Avoid carrying extra weight in the vehicle. Extra weight increases the energy needed to accelerate and maintain speed, which hurts fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger area. Service your M8 Gran Coupe on schedule, as recommended by the manufacturer. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures the engine runs at its best.