26 MPG combined won’t win any awards for lower fuel costs, but it’s a surprisingly respectable figure for the 2015 BMW 740Ld xDrive. This is a long-wheelbase, all-wheel-drive luxury sedan built for effortless high-speed cruising and coddling its occupants in comfort. Its priority isn’t sipping fuel, but delivering a smooth, powerful, and refined driving experience. Buyers aren’t hypermilers; they are executives and affluent individuals who prioritize the 7 Series’ unique blend of performance, luxury, and presence. Fuel efficiency is a consideration, but it’s lower on the list than arriving in style and comfort.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 BMW 740Ld xDrive achieves 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The difference between these figures reflects the engine’s nature: a torquey 3.0-liter inline-six diesel. This engine excels at highway cruising, where it can loaf along at low RPM, sipping fuel while effortlessly maintaining speed.

In the stop-and-go conditions of city driving, there’s no hiding its mass. The all-wheel-drive system also adds some weight and friction, further impacting city fuel economy. The smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel consumption, but ultimately, physics takes over in urban environments. You can browse 740LD MPG across all years to see how this compares to other model years.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2015 BMW 740Ld xDrive will be $2,150. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average fuel price. Diesel prices can fluctuate significantly, so this is just an estimate. The real-world cost will vary depending on your driving habits, fuel prices in your region, and the actual number of miles you drive each year. However, $2,150 represents a reasonable benchmark for prospective buyers to compare against other luxury vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a useful baseline, experience indicates that real-world MPG can vary. If you spend most of your time in heavy city traffic, expect your average fuel economy to be closer to the city rating, possibly even lower, especially with a heavy foot. However, if you predominantly drive on the highway and adopt a smooth driving style, exceeding the EPA’s 31 MPG highway rating is quite possible. The 740Ld’s drivetrain and aerodynamic design are optimized for efficient high-speed cruising, rewarding drivers who prioritize fuel conservation on long trips.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2015 BMW 740Ld xDrive achieves similar fuel efficiency to its competitors. The gasoline-powered Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic, for example, achieves around 20 MPG combined. The Audi A8 3.0T Quattro, another popular choice in this segment, delivers approximately 22 MPG combined. Even the hybrid Lexus LS 600hL, while boasting better city fuel economy, averages only around 20 MPG combined due to its weight and complexity. The Cadillac CT6, especially in its earlier iterations, rarely matches the 740Ld’s efficiency.

While there are certainly more fuel-efficient cars on the market, the 740Ld offers a balance of lower fuel costs, performance, and luxury within its competitive set. You can view all Bmw fuel economy data on our site to broaden the comparison.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the BMW’s driving modes. Select “Eco Pro” mode to remap the throttle response, shift points, and climate control settings, all designed to minimize fuel consumption. This mode encourages a gentler driving style and reduces the energy demands of auxiliary systems.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which are typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. This simple maintenance task can measurably improve fuel efficiency.

Minimize idling. Extended periods of idling consume fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate a wait of more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Restarting the car consumes less fuel than letting it idle unnecessarily.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 740Ld’s powerful diesel engine is tempting to unleash but smooth, gradual acceleration and deceleration use less fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. This reduces the need for abrupt braking and acceleration, which waste fuel.

Keep the car well-maintained. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements (if applicable), ensures that the engine runs efficiently. A well-maintained engine delivers optimal performance and fuel economy.