19 MPG combined. That’s the figure that describes the 2015 BMW Alpina B7 SWB 4.4L 8-cyl. It’s a number that would disqualify many vehicles from consideration but, in the rarefied air this specific performance sedan occupies, is less of a deal-breaker and more of a cost of doing business. The B7 isn’t bought by those prioritizing fuel efficiency; it’s bought by those who prioritize immense power, handcrafted luxury, and exclusivity, accepting the fuel consumption as the compromise for having it.

city and highway performance

The Alpina B7’s 16 MPG city and 24 MPG highway figures reflect its dual nature. The city number underscores the penalty for hauling around a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 in stop-and-go traffic. The instant surge of power from the engine’s low-end torque makes maintaining a light foot difficult. However, out on the open road, the B7’s long-legged gearing and refined aerodynamics allow it to achieve a more respectable 24 MPG. Though not stellar, it’s manageable for long-distance cruising, especially given the car’s mission as a rapid grand tourer. It can dispatch vast distances with ease and surprising comfort, all while maintaining reserves of power for effortless overtaking. While the highway fuel economy may not be the main concern, it allows enough gas mileage to make road trips feasible.

But customers looking for better cars for mileage can find all Bmw fuel economy data on this site.

annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 BMW Alpina B7 SWB at $3,050. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Precisely what “average” fuel price is used is variable, of course, based on fluctuations in the market, and more to the point, the Alpina B7 requires premium fuel, which typically carries a higher price per gallon than regular gasoline. While $3,050 is a considerable sum compared to more fuel-efficient vehicles, the B7 buyer is likely less sensitive to these costs, given their access to funds; they’re more focused on the B7’s performance and exclusivity.

real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the Alpina B7 will vary based on driving style and conditions. More aggressive driving, especially frequent hard acceleration to sample the engine’s significant power reserves, will dramatically decrease fuel economy. Conversely, a careful driver who anticipates traffic and maintains a steady cruising speed on the highway could potentially see figures closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s estimates.

However, this car goads the driver to press the accelerator more often than most cars. Consider checking the ALPINA MPG across all years, to compare with other vehicles.

how it compares

Compared to other high-performance luxury sedans of its era, the 2015 Alpina B7’s fuel economy places it squarely in the middle of the pack. For instance, the Mercedes-AMG S63 sedan with a similar 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 achieves roughly the same 16 city/25 highway MPG. The Audi S8 with its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is generally rated slightly better, at around 17 city/27 highway MPG. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S, while offering similar performance to the B7, delivers similar fuel economy, hovering around 15 city/24 highway MPG. These comparisons are important for the B7 buyer because they demonstrate that the Alpina’s fuel consumption falls within the expected range for its class. However, if good gas mileage is a must, consumers will be buying something different, such as an electric vehicle or hybrid.

tips to maximize efficiency

The Alpina B7 may prioritize performance over fuel economy, but there are still steps you can take to improve its efficiency. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these driving habits consume a significant amount of fuel. The B7’s immense torque makes it easy to accelerate smoothly and efficiently from a standstill. Use that to your advantage.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which decreases fuel economy. Refer to the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb for the recommended tire pressure. This might seem obvious, but maintaining correct tire pressure can also improve handling and safety, in addition to fuel savings.

When possible, use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed. This minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, optimizing fuel consumption. The B7’s adaptive cruise control system can further enhance efficiency by automatically adjusting speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to start and stop efficiently, and idling consumes fuel without providing any benefit.

Keep up with the scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently. This includes regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections. When you get oil changes, make sure the correct oil and grade is used, or it will affect performance and fuel economy.