The 2015 BMW X6 M gets 16 MPG combined. This fuel economy figure will likely deter many drivers from considering this high-performance crossover coupe. But the X6 M was designed for a specific buyer: someone who values power, aggressive looks, and a commanding presence on the road above all else. Low fuel economy is simply the cost of entry to this exclusive club, and the X6 M driver likely isn’t concerned about the cost.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the X6 M gets 14 MPG in the city, a consequence of frequent stops and starts. This taxes the 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine. On the highway, fuel economy improves slightly to 19 MPG, but this is still not impressive. This vehicle prioritizes rapid acceleration and high-speed cruising. Even on the highway, drivers need a gentle touch on the accelerator to achieve 19 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 BMW X6 M at $3,600, based on driving 15,000 miles per year (55% city, 45% highway) and based on national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Premium fuel is required, and the cost is calculated with premium fuel prices. This cost is also dependent on driving style and local fuel costs. Aggressive driving will quickly increase this number, potentially adding hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your annual fuel bill.

Real-world expectations

The real-world fuel economy for the X6 M is often lower than the EPA estimates. Owners who frequently use the engine’s power or primarily drive in congested areas will likely see numbers closer to the city estimate or below. Factors like tire pressures, ambient temperature, and air conditioning can also subtly impact fuel consumption. The weight of passengers and cargo also plays a role, although the engine’s power minimizes the impact compared to smaller engines. A consistent and gentle driving style is the key to achieving fuel economy close to the EPA numbers, but the X6 M tends to discourage this.

How it compares

The 2015 BMW X6 M has few direct competitors. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo offers similar performance but achieves a slightly better 17 MPG combined. An Audi SQ7 with its diesel engine is considerably more economical. And compared to other SUVs in BMW’s lineup, the X6 M still comes up short. You can review X6 MPG across all years to see its ranking in the model’s history. Even the less powerful X6 xDrive35i has better fuel economy. If lower fuel costs are important, then all Bmw fuel economy data shows that other options are better.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The X6 M’s powertrain responds to driving behavior. Smooth acceleration and braking are critical. Avoid sudden bursts of speed or hard braking, as these dramatically increase fuel consumption. Be gentle with the accelerator pedal.

Make sure that your tires have the correct pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Regularly check and maintain the recommended tire pressure for the best fuel mileage.

Reduce unnecessary weight and drag. Remove non-essential items from the vehicle. Roof racks and carriers create aerodynamic drag, so remove them when you are not using them. Reducing weight lowers the vehicle’s load and noticeably increases fuel efficiency.

Use cruise control on the highway when possible. Maintaining a steady speed helps optimize fuel consumption. Avoid unnecessary lane changes and use cruise control to maintain a consistent pace.