The 2023 BMW X5 M50i, a performance SUV, prioritizes thrills, so expect 18 MPG combined. It’s not designed for hypermilers, but for those who want a strong V8 sound and easy acceleration in a luxurious, family-friendly package. People who buy it appreciate quality, and the significant power available makes the MPG figure less important.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the X5 M50i are 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city number shows what happens in stop-and-go traffic, where the large V8 uses a lot of fuel when starting from a stop. The M50i does better on the open road, but its high power and less aerodynamic shape will always need more fuel than a smaller vehicle. If you drive carefully on the highway, you can reach the EPA number, but it’s always tempting to use the immense power. The automatic transmission tries to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but a 4.4-liter V8 will always use significant fuel.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 BMW X5 M50i at $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a percentage of those miles in the city versus highway, and using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline. Your driving and local fuel prices will cause changes, but $3,200 is a guide for potential owners. Owning a high-performance car means a regular expense beyond the purchase price, but most M50i buyers have already included this in their budget.

Real-world expectations

Matching the EPA’s 18 MPG combined rating consistently in real-world driving is unlikely for most drivers. If you often use the engine’s power, expect numbers closer to 15-17 MPG overall. You can exceed 22 MPG on long highway trips with careful gas pedal use, but you have to resist accelerating. The X5 M50i is a vehicle that rewards fast driving, and getting the best fuel economy often means giving up some of the engine’s fun.

How it compares

The X5 M50i’s fuel economy is similar to its direct competitors. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 580, with a turbocharged V8, gets about 16 MPG city, 22 MPG highway. The Audi SQ7, with a twin-turbo V8, gets 15 city and 21 highway. Even the Porsche Cayenne S, another performance SUV, only gets 17 MPG combined. These cars are for buyers who want power and luxury instead of the most gas. Some buyers might consider the plug-in hybrid X5 xDrive45e, which offers around 30 miles of electric range but uses more gas after the battery is empty. The small MPG differences between these competitors probably won’t decide most buyers. Performance, features, and brand matter more when choosing.

Review all Bmw fuel economy data to compare with other models for sale.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Don’t accelerate too quickly. The X5 M50i’s twin-turbo V8 likes to rev, but each burst of power uses fuel. Accelerating smoothly will improve MPG, especially in city driving.

Use the Eco Pro driving mode. It reduces throttle response and changes vehicle settings for the best fuel efficiency. It’s useful on long highway drives when performance isn’t important.

Keep the correct tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and use the manufacturer’s recommended levels.

Avoid idling. Leaving the engine running for a long time, especially after a cold start, wastes fuel. If you’re stopping for more than a minute, turn off the engine.

Think about driving without roof racks when not needed. These accessories reduce MPG by affecting aerodynamics, and removing them will offer small improvements. Don’t forget that you can see the X5 MPG across all years for more history and information on the vehicle.