The 2015 BMW 550i Gran Turismo gets 19 MPG combined. This isn’t a Prius, and it’s not supposed to be. The 550i GT is a niche vehicle, a hatchback-styled sedan offering ample rear legroom, a luxurious interior, and a potent V8 engine. Buyers want space and performance over fuel efficiency. They want the versatility of a crossover with BMW driving dynamics, and they’re willing to pay more at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city MPG is important because many 550i GTs spend a lot of time in cities. Stop-and-go traffic hurts any vehicle, especially one with a large engine. The highway MPG is still modest for a modern vehicle. The 8-speed automatic transmission tries to keep the engine efficient, but the weight and power dictate fuel consumption.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 BMW 550i Gran Turismo at $3,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel cost may vary based on driving habits, location, and gasoline prices. However, the $3,050 is a benchmark for comparing the 550i GT’s fuel consumption with other vehicles. You can check 550i MPG across all years.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates are a starting point, real-world fuel economy differs. Drivers who accelerate hard will see lower figures, especially in city driving. But those who accelerate smoothly and maintain consistent speeds on the highway may get results closer to, or slightly above, the EPA highway rating. The 550i GT’s onboard computer offers a decent estimate, but tracking fuel consumption manually over several tanks gives the most accurate picture of your fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2015 BMW 550i Gran Turismo lags behind other vehicles in its class in fuel efficiency. For example, the Audi A7, a hatchback, gets around 22 MPG combined with its supercharged V6 engine. Even the Mercedes-Benz CLS550, a four-door coupe, manages a combined MPG in the low 20s. Buyers considering the 550i GT are trading fuel economy for space, strong performance, and BMW driving dynamics. Compare this to all Bmw fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid hard acceleration. The 550i Gran Turismo’s twin-turbocharged V8 offers thrilling power, but every acceleration will hurt fuel economy. Gentle acceleration keeps the engine in its most efficient zone, maximizing miles per gallon.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed is important for optimizing fuel efficiency. Cruise control helps reduce speed fluctuations, which can improve highway MPG. Be mindful of your speed, exceeding 70 mph dramatically increases fuel consumption.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended levels listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Properly inflated tires also improve handling and tire wear.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle for long periods consumes fuel. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The 550i GT’s engine starts quickly and reliably, making this a way to conserve fuel.