17 MPG combined won’t make the 2022 BMW M8 Competition Coupe a leader in fuel efficiency, but that’s not its purpose. This is a hand-built, high-performance grand tourer designed for exceptional speed and luxurious comfort, not fuel saving. To focus only on MPG when analyzing the M8 Competition is to miss its core appeal. Its buyers prioritize rapid acceleration and a very luxurious experience; fuel costs are simply part of owning the car.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the M8 Competition Coupe are 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The significant decrease in urban environments happens because the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 uses a lot of premium gasoline when dealing with stop-and-go traffic. The engine’s substantial output—617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque—requires consistent fuel, and efficiency drops when the driver accelerates even a little. However, on the open road, with the eight-speed automatic transmission in its higher gears, the M8 Competition performs somewhat better, nearing its stated 21 MPG. Consistent cruising allows the engine to operate more efficiently, hinting at efficiency beneath the raw power.

Annual fuel cost

With its low MPG numbers, the EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,400 for the 2022 BMW M8 Competition Coupe. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, a combination of city and highway driving, and the national average price for premium gasoline. Fuel price changes and driving habits can change this number. A driver who accelerates quickly or mostly drives in city traffic will likely spend much more on fuel each year. Consider this figure to be a general estimate, not a guaranteed cost.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard, real-world MPG for the M8 Competition can change a lot depending on driving and conditions. Owners who often drive aggressively, using its rapid acceleration and dynamic handling, will probably see numbers close to the city estimate, or even less. But, drivers who prefer relaxed cruising and mostly use the car for long highway trips might get numbers closer to, or even a bit above, the 21 MPG highway rating. The M8 Competition rewards careful driving, but its nature encourages spirited driving, making it hard to consistently get the best fuel economy.

How it compares

The M8 Competition is in a unique category, competing with other high-performance coupes that also have less gas mileage. The Porsche 911 Turbo S, while perhaps more engaging to drive, gets slightly better gas mileage, 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, which shows Porsche’s engineering skill even with high performance. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe, which is larger and more practical, gets a similar 15 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. Those thinking about other options should see M8 MPG across all years to fully understand the vehicle’s historical performance.

The Audi R8, with its naturally aspirated V10 engine, reaches 14 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. The small MPG differences show different engineering ideas and engine designs. M8 Competition buyers may not consider all of these cars, since each one offers a different driving feel. But, knowing how efficient they are can help with the decision, especially for people who are aware of the cost to own the car. You can also view all BMW fuel economy data to see how the M8 compares to other vehicles in the model range.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One simple way to improve the M8 Competition’s fuel mileage is to drive more smoothly. Don’t accelerate or brake suddenly, anticipate traffic, and keep a consistent speed when you can. The car’s strong engine provides plenty of power even with light throttle, reducing the need for aggressive moves that waste fuel.

Use the M8 Competition’s different driving modes. The “Comfort” setting softens throttle response and optimizes the transmission for efficiency. While it might reduce the car’s sporty feel a bit, it can improve fuel mileage during daily driving.

Make sure your tires have the correct air pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and add air as needed to stay efficient.

Reduce extra weight in the car. Removing any unneeded items from the trunk can slightly reduce the car’s weight and improve fuel mileage. While this seems small, it still helps in the effort to get better efficiency.

Try to combine trips and avoid short drives when you can. Cold starts use a lot of fuel, since the engine is less efficient until it warms up. Combining errands into one trip or taking longer drives can help reduce cold starts and improve overall fuel mileage.