The 2022 BMW X6 M Competition’s 4.4L 8-cyl engine demands 15 MPG combined. Let’s be blunt: nobody choosing this coupe-like SUV is prioritizing thrift. They’re buying a statement, a visceral experience, a thunderous rejection of sensible family transportation. Fuel economy is an afterthought, a necessary evil tolerated in pursuit of unadulterated performance.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the X6 M Competition achieves 13 MPG in city driving and 18 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s insatiable thirst for fuel during stop-and-go traffic, which is made worse by the vehicle’s substantial weight and aggressive tuning. The highway number is somewhat more palatable, though still far from economical. It presumes a relatively steady-state cruise, something rarely achieved in real-world scenarios where the tempting surge of the twin-turbo V8 is too irresistible to ignore.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2022 BMW X6 M Competition is $3,850. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Keep in mind that premium fuel is required, further inflating the running costs compared to vehicles accepting regular gasoline. Expect to exceed $3,850 if your driving habits are particularly spirited, or if fuel prices are higher than the national average in your area.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers. While they provide a standardized benchmark, they bear little resemblance to reality for the average X6 M Competition owner. Expect to see MPG figures consistently below the official estimates, especially if you frequently indulge in the vehicle’s prodigious power. Short trips, cold starts, and aggressive acceleration will all take a significant toll on fuel consumption. Consider yourself fortunate to consistently achieve even the stated combined MPG in everyday driving. However, those who purchase the X6 M Competition aren’t likely to even notice the difference.

How it compares

The X6 M Competition occupies a unique niche, blurring the lines between SUV and sports car. Comparing it directly to other vehicles is challenging, but context is important. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe, another high-performance SUV coupe, manages a slightly better 17 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, a direct competitor, posts similar numbers to the X6 M Competition at 15 MPG combined. Even a “sensible” luxury SUV like the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid, in its non-hybrid mode, achieves around 25 MPG combined, highlighting the X6 M Competition’s focus on performance over efficiency. The Range Rover Sport P530 with its V8, another potential rival, manages around 16 MPG combined if you prioritize refinement over raw power.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 2022 BMW X6 M Competition isn’t designed for fuel efficiency, there are still steps you can take to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The twin-turbo V8 responds readily to even slight throttle inputs, but each burst of power comes at a significant MPG penalty.

Use the vehicle’s driving modes. Engaging “Comfort” mode will temper throttle response and transmission behavior, promoting smoother acceleration and potentially improving fuel economy compared to the more aggressive “Sport” or “Sport Plus” settings. Experiment with different modes to find a balance between performance and efficiency that suits your driving style.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on the doorjamb sticker.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle for extended periods consumes fuel without covering any distance. Turn off the engine if you’re stopped for more than a minute or two. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, negating any perceived fuel savings from prolonged idling.

Consider your route. Avoid congested areas and routes with frequent stop-and-go traffic whenever possible. Opt for routes with smoother traffic flow and fewer interruptions to maintain a more consistent speed, which is conducive to better fuel economy.

You can find all all Bmw fuel economy data here. Or, if you just want to check the X6 MPG across all years, you can find that here.