17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards for less gas usage, but for the 2022 BMW M5 CS, a limited-production super sedan built for shattering lap times and delivering a visceral driving experience, fuel economy is a secondary consideration, a necessary evil tolerated by those who prioritize extreme performance above all else.

City and highway performance

The M5 CS achieves 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway, according to EPA estimates. These figures reflect the demands of a high-output 4.4-liter V8 engine and the realities of stop-and-go traffic compared to steady-state cruising. The highway number is respectable for a car packing this much power, but the city figure highlights the price you pay for all that ferocity. The standard M5 actually achieves slightly better fuel economy, but the CS, with its added power and reduced weight, exists for one purpose: absolute performance, and its drivers understand what that entails.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 BMW M5 CS to be $3,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Of course, if you spend more time on the Autobahn or your local racetrack, expect that number to climb considerably.

The fact is, anyone capable of affording a limited-production M5 variant like this one is unlikely to lose sleep over the cost of premium gasoline. They are buying an experience far more than they are buying transportation.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the M5 CS can vary significantly depending on driving style and conditions. Frequent bursts of acceleration, track days, and extended periods spent in Sport or Sport+ mode will all dramatically decrease efficiency. Even a moderately spirited driver is unlikely to consistently achieve 21 MPG on the highway. More realistic expectations would be closer to the combined 17 MPG figure, perhaps even lower for those who truly unleash the car’s potential. See M5 MPG across all years to understand trends in this model’s fuel usage.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the M5 CS lands roughly where you might expect it to. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Sedan, another high-performance German super sedan, achieves an EPA-estimated 16 MPG combined. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S, while more expensive, offers similar performance and achieves around 18 MPG combined in its sedan form. Even high-performance SUVs like the BMW X5 M Competition manage around 15 MPG combined. The Audi RS 7, with its sleek coupe-like profile, gets approximately 18 MPG combined. In this exclusive segment, a difference of 1 or 2 MPG is unlikely to sway a buyer’s decision. These vehicles are statements of intent, expressions of performance, where fuel economy is secondary to raw power and driving dynamics. Learn more about all Bmw fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the M5 CS isn’t designed for fuel efficiency, there are steps you can take to minimize fuel consumption without sacrificing too much enjoyment. The most effective is smooth acceleration and braking. Avoid aggressive throttle inputs and hard braking, which waste fuel and put unnecessary stress on the powertrain.

Use the Comfort or Eco Pro driving modes when possible, particularly during highway cruising. These modes optimize the engine mapping and throttle response for efficiency, reducing fuel consumption without neutering the car entirely. While these modes might tame the beast somewhat, they are still capable of delivering competent performance when needed.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to decreased fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and maintain them at the recommended levels.

Avoid extended idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling wastes fuel and produces unnecessary emissions.