A combined fuel economy of 17 MPG is, frankly, immaterial to most 2023 BMW M5 buyers. They didn’t sign up for hybrid-like efficiency; they signed up for a strong sedan that can dominate highway on-ramps and embarrass sports cars on backroads. Fuel consumption is simply the cost of admission to this exclusive club.

City and highway performance

The M5’s EPA estimates break down to 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. Those city figures reflect the constant stop-and-go driving where the M5’s turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 is rarely operating at its most efficient. All that power invites frequent bursts of acceleration, further impacting fuel consumption. The highway number is more palatable, but only if you can resist the temptation to exploit the M5’s exceptional passing power. Keeping the car in Comfort mode and using cruise control on relatively flat stretches of highway can help you approach that 21 MPG figure. Let’s be honest, few M5 drivers are buying this car to hypermile.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 BMW M5 at $3,400. This figure is calculated assuming 15,000 miles of driving per year, using the national average fuel price for premium unleaded gasoline. It’s a significant amount of money, no doubt. For the target demographic, successful professionals, entrepreneurs, and performance enthusiasts, this expense is unlikely to deter them from enjoying the M5’s considerable talents. It’s the price of entry to the high-performance sedan club.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy can vary widely depending on driving style, traffic conditions, and vehicle maintenance. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and neglecting basic maintenance, like tire inflation and oil changes, will all negatively impact fuel economy. Many owners will struggle to consistently achieve even the EPA’s combined figure, especially if they frequently use the M5’s performance capabilities. Conversely, disciplined drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and consistent speeds on the highway may be able to slightly exceed the 21 MPG highway estimate. Ultimately, your mileage will almost certainly vary, and it will almost all come down to your driving style.

How it Compares

Compared to its rivals, the M5’s fuel economy is, predictably, in the same ballpark. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Sedan, for example, is rated at 16 MPG combined, a mere 1 MPG less than the M5. An Audi RS7 gets around 18 MPG combined. These differences are hardly significant enough to sway a buyer already committed to this level of performance. Someone considering a Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing isn’t going to be cross-shopping a Toyota Prius, despite the massive MPG difference. For those truly concerned about fuel economy in the luxury performance segment, mild hybrid models like the BMW 540i (27 MPG combined) or the Lexus GS 350 (24 MPG combined, now discontinued but available on the used market) offer a significantly more frugal, but less thrilling, experience. You can explore all BMW fuel economy data on FuelEconomyHub.com.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the M5 is not designed for maximizing fuel economy, there are steps you can take to mitigate its thirst. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The M5’s prodigious power is alluring, but a lighter foot will yield noticeable improvements in fuel consumption. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible.

Select the appropriate driving mode. The M5 offers various driving modes, including Comfort and Eco Pro, which prioritize fuel efficiency by adjusting throttle response, transmission mapping, and other parameters. These modes may diminish the M5’s ultimate performance, but they can contribute to better fuel economy during everyday driving.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Consider a high-quality digital tire pressure gauge for more precise measurements.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements, ensures that the engine is running optimally. A well-maintained engine is more efficient and produces fewer emissions. Neglecting these services has a compounding effect on fuel consumption.

Lighten the load. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and back seats. Excess weight increases the engine’s workload, resulting in lower fuel economy. A lighter vehicle requires less energy to accelerate and maintain speed. If you’re interested in M5 MPG across all years, FuelEconomyHub.com is your ultimate resource.