17 MPG combined is what you get for driving the 2021 BMW X7 M50i, a strong SUV pretending to be fancy. This isn’t a vehicle for those who worry about every penny; it’s for those who want power, a luxurious interior, and the status that comes with a BMW flagship. Fuel economy is a lesser concern, if it’s even a concern at all.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway for the X7 M50i. The city figure shows the reality of stop-and-go traffic, where the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8’s output is more for show than practical use. The highway number, while still not great, better reflects the X7 M50i’s ability to cruise comfortably. Achieving the 21 MPG requires a disciplined foot because the temptation to use the engine’s power is always there and will quickly lower fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2021 BMW X7 M50i will be $3,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a large amount, putting the X7 M50i among the highest fuel costs, but that’s expected by buyers in this group. They usually care more about performance and luxury than saving money on gas. Real-world annual fuel costs can change a lot based on how someone drives and the price of premium gasoline.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to always get the EPA’s numbers in everyday driving. The 523 horsepower V8 is hard to resist, and fast acceleration will cost you. Plus, the X7’s weight and standard all-wheel drive increase fuel consumption. Owners who often drive in busy cities, or who like to push the vehicle, should expect fuel economy closer to the city rating, maybe even lower. Those who mostly use the X7 M50i for long highway trips may see results closer to the EPA highway figure. View X7 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The X7 M50i isn’t trying to win on fuel efficiency. The Mercedes-Benz GLS 580, with its less powerful V8, gets slightly better numbers, around 16 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. A Land Rover Range Rover with the supercharged V8 offers similar performance and luxury, but fuel economy is usually worse, often in the low teens combined. Even hybrid competitors, such as the Acura MDX Sport Hybrid (27 MPG combined), use much less gas. The Audi SQ7 with its turbocharged V8 is somewhere in the middle, but it’s often seen as less luxurious than the X7 and GLS in their highest trims. The buyer considering the X7 M50i understands that its fuel consumption is the price for its performance and luxury.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid accelerating and braking hard. The X7 M50i’s engine responds quickly, but sudden bursts of power will burn a lot of fuel. Gently increasing speed and predicting traffic will improve fuel economy. Using the eco or adaptive drive modes can limit how sensitive the throttle is and help you drive more efficiently.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which you can find on the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual. Owners can see all BMW fuel economy data.

Don’t let the engine idle too long. Letting the engine idle wastes fuel without going anywhere. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are made to restart quickly, so there’s no reason to let them idle.

Reduce extra weight. Carrying extra cargo increases the vehicle’s weight, which lowers fuel economy. Take out anything from the X7 M50i that you don’t need for your trip. This includes items in the cargo area, as well as any unnecessary accessories. The lighter the vehicle, the less fuel it will use.