26 MPG combined is a figure familiar to anyone looking at the 2026 BMW M240i xDrive Coupe. This isn’t a commuter car; it’s a compact, all-wheel-drive machine built to excel at corners and provide an exhilarating driving experience. Buyers of this vehicle aren’t searching hypermiling forums; they’re looking for a blend of performance, luxury, and everyday usability. They understand that the M240i’s B58 3.0L inline-six engine, even with its efficient engineering, will still consume premium unleaded with enthusiastic regularity. This 26 MPG shows BMW’s pursuit of efficiency across its lineup, even when putting a turbocharged engine into a driver-focused platform.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the M240i xDrive at 23 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the car’s dual personality. In urban environments, the 3.0L 6-cylinder engine’s strong torque and the quick shifts of the 8-speed automatic transmission mean less effort, and thus less fuel, is expended getting up to speed. However, constant stop-and-go conditions, coupled with the inevitable temptation to use some of its 382 horsepower, will naturally bring that city figure down. On the open road, the M240i truly stretches its legs. The efficient inline-six hums along at low RPMs in top gear, delivering that impressive 32 MPG. This is where the engineering of the B58 truly shines, allowing for exhilarating overtaking maneuvers without a crippling fuel penalty on long trips. It’s a notable balance for a car that can sprint to 60 mph in a mere 4.1 seconds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,250 for the 2026 BMW M240i xDrive Coupe. This figure is based on an assumed 15,000 miles driven per year, split between city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices, which for this premium-fueled vehicle, are understandably on the higher side. For the M240i owner, this cost is a line item in the budget for thrill-seeking. These buyers are aware that exhilarating performance comes at a price beyond the sticker, and they are willing to pay it. The joy of a perfectly executed downshift, the surge of power on an open road, and the sheer driving engagement offered by the M240i are considered priceless, easily justifying the fuel expenditure over a year.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a solid benchmark, real-world fuel economy in the M240i xDrive often varies. The M240i is built for driving pleasure, and it encourages a more spirited driving style. Hard accelerations, frequent use of Sport mode, and exploring the upper reaches of the RPM range are all part of the ownership experience, and each of these will inevitably reduce fuel efficiency. However, even with an enthusiastic foot, owners typically report highway figures close to the EPA’s 32 MPG, particularly on longer, cruising journeys. City driving is where the biggest discrepancy often appears, as the temptation to exploit the engine’s power is ever-present. Those who treat the M240i more as a grand tourer, exercising restraint and using its various efficiency modes, will consistently see numbers closer to the EPA’s combined rating. For those who view every on-ramp as a launchpad, don’t be surprised if your average dips into the low 20s.

How it compares

In the competitive compact performance coupe segment, the M240i xDrive often finds itself compared against a handful of rivals. When looking at all BMW fuel economy data, the M240i presents a strong case. Consider the Audi TT RS Coupe, an equally performance-oriented machine, typically returning around 23 MPG combined, often with a less refined ride and smaller rear seats for its more intense, five-cylinder soundtrack. Or the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, which, while a four-door, offers similar power and all-wheel drive, but often settles around 25 MPG combined. A Porsche 718 Cayman S, a mid-engine two-seater, might offer marginally better highway efficiency at around 27 MPG combined, but at a significantly higher purchase price and with far less practicality. The M240i’s 26 MPG combined stands as a perfectly respectable, if not class-leading, figure given its substantial power output, all-wheel-drive system, and everyday usability. It offers a blend of performance and efficiency that few can match without considerable compromise. For more details on this specific model, explore M240i MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Even in a performance coupe like the M240i, there are ways to nudge those MPG figures upward without completely sacrificing the fun. Using the Eco Pro driving mode, for instance, noticeably softens throttle response and optimizes gear changes for maximum efficiency, making mundane commutes surprisingly fuel-friendly.
Anticipating traffic conditions and practicing smooth acceleration and deceleration is also critical. The powerful brakes and responsive engine can tempt a driver to rapidly speed up and slow down, but maintaining a consistent pace whenever possible will significantly reduce fuel consumption.
Regular maintenance, including proper tire pressure and timely oil changes, directly impacts efficiency in any vehicle, and the M240i is no exception. A well-maintained engine and drivetrain operate at peak efficiency, ensuring you’re not wasting fuel on unnecessary friction or resistance.
Consider using the infotainment system’s built-in navigation even for familiar routes. Many modern BMW systems can account for real-time traffic and suggest more efficient paths, potentially saving fuel by avoiding prolonged idling or stop-and-go situations.