26 MPG combined might not be the first thing you see in a BMW advertisement, but for the 2015 528i with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it’s a perfectly reasonable number. This isn’t an M5 built for pure speed; instead, it’s a balanced mix of luxury, performance, and decent fuel economy for professionals who spend a lot of time driving, but want a refined experience. These buyers appreciate the BMW brand, the well-designed interior, and the responsive handling, and are willing to accept fuel economy that isn’t the best in its class.

City and highway performance

The 528i’s EPA ratings are 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The 2.0L turbo’s strength is its ability to deliver a quick burst of torque at low RPMs, making it feel surprisingly strong around town. The eight-speed automatic transmission also helps, keeping the engine at the best level for both power and efficiency. On the open road, the 33 MPG number is possible if you drive at a consistent speed, helped by the car’s aerodynamics and comfortable ride. If you drive more aggressively, that highway number can drop, but that’s true for any car.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,250 for the 2015 BMW 528i. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. The real cost will change based on your driving, the fuel you use (premium fuel is recommended for best performance), and local fuel prices. It’s a good starting point, and it’s also important to know how your driving affects your actual spending.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures are a helpful guide, but your actual fuel economy will probably be different. If you drive in heavy stop-and-go traffic, expect your city MPG to be lower than the EPA estimate. If you do a lot of long-distance highway driving at moderate speeds, you might even get more than 33 MPG. The 528i’s computer shows real-time and average fuel economy data, so drivers can watch their consumption and adjust their driving.

How it compares

In 2015, the 528i’s fuel economy was similar to others in its class, but some competitors had higher numbers. For example, the Lexus GS 350, with its more powerful V6 engine, had EPA ratings of 19 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. If fuel efficiency was a priority, shoppers might have considered the Acura TLX 2.4L 4-cylinder, which got 24 MPG city and 35 MPG highway. But these vehicles don’t always handle as well as the 528i, or offer the same level of luxury and brand appeal. Comparing all Bmw fuel economy data can help when choosing a vehicle within their brand. If the 2015 model isn’t right, research 528I MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2015 528i has an “Eco Pro” mode, which changes the throttle response and the transmission’s shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency. Use this mode when you can, mostly during normal commutes or highway driving, to see better MPG. It might make the car feel slightly less responsive, but it won’t completely remove the fun.

Avoid hard acceleration and braking. The 528i’s turbocharged engine is responsive and can accelerate quickly without pressing the gas pedal all the way down. Smooth acceleration and watching the traffic will save fuel and improve the driving experience.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended levels, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Remove extra weight. Take out anything from the trunk or rear seats that you don’t need. Extra weight puts more stress on the engine, reducing fuel economy. This is especially true for a car like the 528i, which is already pretty heavy.

Follow the maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and other maintenance tasks keep the engine running efficiently. A well-maintained engine uses less fuel and performs better.