15 MPG combined is the price of admission to the super SUV club, and the 2022 BMW X5 M Competition proudly displays its membership card. Let’s be clear: nobody buys this nearly 620-horsepower brute because they want to save on gas. They buy it for the face-altering acceleration, the track-ready handling, and the presence it commands on the road. The X5 M Competition is not about compromise; it’s about relentless performance, and the fuel economy figures reflect that focus.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the X5 M Competition break down to 13 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. The city figure is particularly telling. Stop-and-go traffic and the constant temptation to floor the accelerator will quickly empty the fuel tank. The highway number, while better, is still far from stellar , a fact of significant aerodynamic drag and the engine’s prodigious power output. Expect to see those numbers dip even further if you regularly engage the Sport or Sport+ driving modes, or if you have a heavy foot. While the X5 M Competition is technically capable of long-distance cruising, frequent fuel stops will undoubtedly be part of the experience.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2022 BMW X5 M Competition is $3,850. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate; your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium fuel is required), and local fuel prices. For owners accustomed to budgeting for high performance, this fuel cost will likely be absorbed as an expected expense of owning such a vehicle.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a helpful benchmark, real-world fuel economy often deviates, particularly in vehicles like the X5 M Competition. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and extended idling will all negatively impact fuel efficiency. Conversely, careful driving on the highway, using cruise control, and minimizing hard acceleration can potentially improve upon the EPA estimates, but don’t expect miracles. The X5 M Competition’s turbocharged engine with electric motor and engine management system will attempt to optimize fuel consumption, but ultimately, the driver’s behavior has the most significant influence. See X5 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The X5 M Competition exists in a rarefied segment of high-performance SUVs where fuel economy is often secondary to outright performance. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, for instance, achieves a similar 15 MPG combined rating, highlighting that the fuel consumption is a characteristic of that performance category. The Lamborghini Urus, with its even more extreme performance focus, manages a dismal 14 MPG combined. Even stepping down slightly in performance to a Porsche Cayenne Turbo yields only modest gains, typically around 17 MPG combined. The comparisons make it clear: If fuel economy is a primary concern, the X5 M Competition and its rivals are not the right choice. Buyers who want to see all BMW fuel economy data should look at the standard X5 xDrive40i, which offers a significantly more palatable 23 MPG combined, albeit with a considerable reduction in performance.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the X5 M Competition is not inherently fuel-efficient, there are steps you can take to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 4.4L twin-turbo V8 responds eagerly to throttle inputs, but excessive use of its power will rapidly deplete the fuel tank. Engage the Eco Pro driving mode when possible; this mode optimizes various vehicle settings to prioritize fuel efficiency.

Maintain correct tire pressures, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. Regularly check tire pressures and inflate them to the recommended levels. Ensure that the vehicle is properly maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance can all contribute to optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Lighten the load. Carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle reduces fuel economy. Remove any items from the trunk or cargo area that are not essential. Plan your trips efficiently to minimize unnecessary mileage and avoid peak traffic hours whenever possible. Combining multiple errands into a single trip can help to reduce fuel consumption.

The X5 M Competition demands premium fuel, and its complex engine management system is designed to optimize performance and efficiency based on that specific fuel grade. Avoid using lower octane fuels or fuel additives, as they can negatively impact engine performance and fuel economy.