17 MPG combined is what you get for owning a 2024 BMW X3 M Competition. Nobody buys this high-performance SUV because they’re prioritizing fuel efficiency. They buy it for its powerful performance, its sharp handling, and the thrill of piloting a compact SUV that can beat many sports cars. The need for premium gasoline is part of the deal.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the X3 M Competition will achieve 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. Those figures are from standardized testing, but they’re useful as a baseline. A driver who uses a fraction of the engine’s 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque will likely see those numbers decrease. However, a driver who is very careful and spends most of their time on long highway trips might nudge them slightly higher. Expecting significantly better results is unrealistic. The powerful engine and the X3 M Competition’s all-wheel-drive system require a lot of fuel.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 BMW X3 M Competition at $3,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price for premium gasoline, which the X3 M Competition requires. Fuel prices fluctuate, and your driving habits will impact your actual fuel expenses. Someone who drives less than 15,000 miles per year, or who lives in an area with lower fuel prices, will spend less. Someone with a heavy foot who spends a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic will likely spend considerably more.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark. Owners suggest that real-world fuel economy for the X3 M Competition often falls within a narrower range. Owners report averaging between 14 and 18 MPG in mixed driving conditions. Pushing the vehicle hard will lower the average, while longer highway trips, driven carefully, can yield results closer to the EPA’s 20 MPG highway estimate. Your mileage will vary based on how and where you drive. It’s important to have a realistic expectation that achieving the EPA numbers consistently will be challenging.

How it compares

The X3 M Competition’s fuel economy is lower than some of its rivals, but this is because of its focus on performance. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe is rated at 16 MPG combined, while the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio manages 19 MPG combined. The Porsche Macan Turbo achieves a slightly better 19 MPG combined. All all Bmw fuel economy data is available online. Buyers must weigh the fuel economy advantage of these models against the X3 M Competition’s performance and driving experience. The X3 M Competition prioritizes power above all else when compared to the X3 MPG across all years, so fuel economy is sacrificed.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The X3 M Competition will never be a fuel-sipper, but you can optimize its efficiency. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these burn fuel rapidly. Smooth inputs will conserve fuel and make for a more pleasurable driving experience.

Use the vehicle’s driving modes effectively. The “Efficiency” or “Comfort” modes will remap the throttle response and shift points to prioritize fuel economy. These modes may dull the X3 M Competition’s edge, but they can make a difference in fuel consumption during everyday driving.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the levels on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight inside the vehicle. Excess cargo adds to the vehicle’s mass, which reduces fuel economy. Remove items you don’t need to carry around, such as golf clubs or heavy tools.

Consider using cruise control on long highway drives. Maintaining a consistent speed can help optimize fuel efficiency, especially on flat stretches of road. Be mindful of traffic conditions and avoid using cruise control in stop-and-go situations.