17 MPG combined is not something BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe buyers lose sleep over. This is a four-door car designed for breathtaking performance and head-turning style, and the fuel bill is the price of admission. This isn’t a car purchased for sensible commuting; it’s a statement, a reward, and a serious piece of engineering where efficiency takes a distant backseat to raw power.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 15 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway reveal the M8 Competition Gran Coupe’s thirst for fuel is most pronounced in stop-and-go conditions. The 4.4L twin-turbo V8, generating a staggering 617 horsepower, demands significant fuel to overcome its own inertia and the weight of the all-wheel-drive system. Highway cruising, while still not economical, allows the engine to settle into a more efficient state, using the eight-speed automatic transmission’s higher gears to reduce engine RPM. However, even on the open road, a heavy foot will quickly negate any potential fuel savings. For more information about the M8, you can find M8 MPG across all years here.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe at $3,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway. It also assumes the use of premium gasoline, which the M8’s high-performance engine requires. The cost is calculated using the national average fuel price at the time of the estimate. It’s critical to remember that your personal fuel costs may vary significantly depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the actual number of miles you drive annually.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy for the M8 Competition Gran Coupe is highly driver-dependent. Owners who frequently use the car’s power will likely see figures below the official estimates, especially in urban environments. Conversely, those who adopt a more restrained driving style on longer highway journeys might achieve closer to the 22 MPG rating. If you’re prioritizing fuel economy above all else, you’re looking at the wrong car.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the M8 Competition Gran Coupe’s fuel economy sits within range of other high-performance luxury sedans. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe, with a similar twin-turbo V8, achieves a slightly better 19 MPG combined. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S offers comparable performance but delivers around 18 MPG combined. Even the Audi RS7, often praised for its blend of power and practicality, matches the M8’s 17 MPG rating. While hybrid options exist within these manufacturers’ lineups, such as the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, they come with a significant price premium and a different driving experience that may not appeal to the M8’s target demographic. Buyers weighing the M8 know they’re sacrificing some fuel efficiency for an unparalleled combination of raw power, luxurious appointments, and track-bred handling.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Even in a performance-focused vehicle like the M8 Competition Gran Coupe, some fuel-saving techniques can make a small but noticeable difference. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, especially in city driving. Smooth and consistent throttle inputs will help minimize fuel consumption.

Use the car’s driving mode selector to choose a more fuel-efficient setting when outright performance isn’t required. While the M8’s “Comfort” or “Eco Pro” modes won’t transform it into a Prius, they will recalibrate the engine and transmission for smoother operation and earlier upshifts.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to reduced fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Minimize excessive idling. If you anticipate waiting for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to be restarted without significant wear and tear, and idling consumes fuel without covering any ground.

Consider lighter wheels and tires when it’s time for replacements. Reducing unsprung weight can improve both handling and fuel economy, although the gains may be subtle. Explore all Bmw fuel economy data to put this car in context with the rest of the brand’s vehicles.