28 MPG combined makes the 2026 BMW 740i Sedan a remarkably efficient full-size luxury flagship. This isn’t just an impressive number on paper; it shows what modern luxury sedans can do. The 740i is built for executives, entrepreneurs, and individuals who demand effortless performance, opulent comfort, and the undeniable prestige of the BMW roundel, yet still appreciate responsible consumption. They drive long distances for business, traverse cityscapes to their favorite restaurants, and expect their vehicle to handle both with equal grace and surprising thrift, considering its size and the wealth of technology it carries.

City and Highway Performance

The EPA rates the 740i at 25 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, figures that show the effectiveness of its turbocharged engine with electric motor. The 3.0L 6-cylinder engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission (S8), is a masterclass in balance. In urban environments, where stop-and-go traffic can decimate lesser engines’ efficiency, the 740i’s mild-hybrid assist and smooth power delivery ensure that its 25 MPG city rating feels genuinely achievable. The system gracefully manages engine restarts and low-speed cruising, mitigating the traditional fuel penalty of city driving. On the open road, the 31 MPG highway rating speaks to the inherent efficiency of the inline-six, which settles into a relaxed stride at cruising speeds. The transmission’s ability to shift through its eight ratios keeps the engine in its most efficient band, allowing the 740i to glide effortlessly over vast distances while sipping fuel at a rate that would surprise many owners of much smaller vehicles. This is not a car designed for outright sprint times (though it’s certainly capable), but rather for sustained, comfortable, and efficient progress on any journey.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,050 for the 2026 BMW 740i. This figure is derived from an assumption of 15,000 miles driven per year, split between city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices, which fluctuate regularly. For the typical 7 Series owner, this $2,050 annual expense represents a relatively minor operational cost, a manageable figure within the broader context of luxury vehicle ownership, including insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. It illustrates that while the raw dollar amount for fuel is a factor, it is unlikely to be a primary concern or budget constraint for the individual who chooses a car at this level. Instead, the low annual cost serves as an affirmation of the vehicle’s engineering efficiency, delivering premium experiences without excessive running costs.

Real-World Expectations

Those who choose the 740i will find that its real-world fuel economy often mirrors or even slightly exceeds the EPA ratings, provided they drive with reasonable care. BMW’s engineers have optimized the B58 engine for efficiency without compromising its hallmark smooth power delivery. Aggressive driving, particularly frequent hard acceleration, will naturally see the MPG figures dip, but the powertrain’s responsiveness often encourages a more measured approach, thanks to its ample torque available from low RPMs. Owners who primarily engage in open-road highway cruising, taking advantage of adaptive cruise control and the vehicle’s advanced aerodynamic profile, will find 30+ MPG to be a regular occurrence. Even in mixed conditions, achieving the 28 MPG combined rating is well within reach for the vast majority of drivers who appreciate the 740i’s refined character. This is one of the distinct advantages of the BMW inline-six: it delivers strong performance without demanding constant high revs, aiding real-world economy.

How It Compares

In the rarefied air of full-size luxury sedans, the 740i’s 28 MPG combined stands out impressively. Consider the Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC, which, with its comparable 3.0L inline-six and mild-hybrid system, achieves 23 MPG combined (20 city/28 highway). The 740i clearly holds an advantage here, offering more practical day-to-day efficiency. Moving to the Audi A8 55 TFSI quattro, also with a 3.0L V6 and mild hybrid, it returns 22 MPG combined (19 city/28 highway), again falling short of the BMW. Even larger, more powerful rivals like the Lexus LS 500, with its twin-turbo V6, manage only 22 MPG combined (19 city/29 highway). Among its direct combustion-powered peers, the 740i proves itself a benchmark for fuel efficiency, demonstrating that luxury, performance, and economy are not mutually exclusive. This buyer appreciates these nuanced differences, seeking the best overall package. For details on other BMW models, you can explore all BMW fuel economy data. For specific annual figures for this model, details on 740i MPG across all years are available.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to ensure your 740i achieves its optimal fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder than necessary, so regular checks are essential for both efficiency and safety.

Use the vehicle’s Eco Pro driving mode, which actively optimizes throttle response, transmission shift points, and climate control settings for maximum efficiency. This mode subtly recalibrates the car’s dynamic character to prioritize fuel savings without feeling overly restrictive for routine driving.

Smooth acceleration and gentle braking significantly impact fuel consumption, especially in city driving. The 740i’s smooth power delivery encourages a relaxed driving style, which naturally conserves fuel better than aggressive starts and abrupt stops.

Plan your routes to avoid heavy traffic whenever possible. Even with the 740i’s efficient mild-hybrid system, prolonged idling and stop-and-go conditions will always diminish fuel economy, making advanced navigation and real-time traffic updates valuable tools.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the trunk and on roof racks. Every extra pound your 740i has to move reduces its efficiency, particularly on longer journeys where small increases in resistance add up over time.