The 2022 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, with its 4.4L 8-cylinder engine, gets a combined 19 MPG. Nobody spending six figures on a sleek, powerful four-door coupe is prioritizing fuel efficiency above all else; they’re buying a blend of performance, luxury, and style, and fuel costs are part of ownership. Still, understanding where the M850i falls among high-performance vehicles is valuable.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the M850i Gran Coupe achieves 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects urban driving, with more idling and accelerating from a standstill. The highway figure shows some improvement, but still can’t be classified as economical. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system’s weight and mechanical drag contribute to fuel consumption, as does the engine’s power output. Plan frequent stops on extended road trips, for both fuel and engine refreshment. Check out the M850I MPG across all years to examine trends in fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe at $3,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a benchmark for comparison and a concrete dollar amount for budgeting. Real-world fuel costs can vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy can change. Aggressive driving, like hard acceleration and braking, will decrease fuel economy. Smooth, consistent driving at moderate speeds can help achieve figures closer to the EPA estimates. The M850i Gran Coupe’s weight, powerful engine, and all-wheel-drive system limit fuel efficiency, even when driven with consideration.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe’s fuel economy is competitive, though not class-leading. The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, with its less powerful inline-6 engine, manages around 21 MPG combined. The Porsche Panamera 4S, another performance-oriented four-door coupe, can achieve similar figures in combined driving, but offers more efficient hybrid variants. The Audi S7, sharing a similar performance profile, gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined. Buyers in this segment are aware of brand image, performance, and style, so these fuel economy differences rarely sway a purchase decision. However, comparing all BMW fuel economy data across the range provides a broader perspective.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Get the most from the automatic start/stop system. Some drivers disable it, but this feature reduces fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic. BMW engineers have refined the system to be relatively smooth, so allow it to function unless intrusive. Heavy acceleration when restarting cancels out savings. Smooth throttle application is key.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consuming more fuel. Regularly check your tire pressure and ensure it matches the recommended levels listed on the door jamb sticker. The M850i’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) will alert you to deviations, but maintenance is important.

Anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary braking. Look ahead and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. Every time you brake, you’re converting kinetic energy into heat, which must be replaced by burning more fuel to accelerate. Smart driving helps minimize energy waste.

Use “Comfort” mode for everyday driving. “Sport” and “Sport+” modes unleash the M850i’s potential, but prioritize performance over fuel efficiency. “Comfort” mode provides a relaxed throttle response and smoother gear changes, which can improve fuel economy during typical commutes.

Avoid unnecessary weight. Carrying extra weight in the trunk reduces fuel economy. Remove any items that aren’t essential, especially because the M850i is already heavy.