28 MPG combined is acceptable, if not outstanding, fuel economy for the 2016 BMW 320i. Buying a 320i isn’t mainly about getting the best possible gas mileage. Buyers want the BMW brand, the driving feel of the 3 Series, and a certain amount of entry-level luxury. Fuel economy is less important, a practical point rather than the deciding factor.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 320i gets 23 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. This difference shows the car’s capabilities. In cities, frequent stops reduce the efficiency of the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine. On the highway, the engine works well, helped by the smooth eight-speed automatic transmission (S8). The tall gearing allows relaxed cruising, keeping the engine in its most efficient range at typical highway speeds. Drivers who spend more time on highways will see fuel economy closer to 35 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 BMW 320i at $2,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a fuel price based on the national average. Individual fuel costs will vary with local fuel prices, driving habits, and the amount of city versus highway driving. $2,050 isn’t extremely high, but it’s something to consider when buying this BMW. It’s a cost to factor in when owning a German luxury car.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a useful guide, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Expect 25-32 MPG in mixed driving. Driving harder will lower the numbers, while driving efficiently can raise them. The 320i encourages energetic driving. The engine responds quickly, and the chassis is well-balanced. Avoiding the urge to drive fast takes effort, but it will result in lower fuel consumption. Looking at 320I MPG across all years shows how drivers have experienced variations over time.

How it compares

The 2016 BMW 320i’s fuel economy is similar to its competitors. The Audi A3 1.8T gets about the same combined MPG in the high 20s. The Mercedes-Benz CLA250 achieves similar numbers, and the Lexus IS 200t, with its turbo-four engine, is similar. The Acura ILX, which is less focused on performance, often gets slightly better numbers, often over 30 MPG combined. The 320i is acceptable, but not the best, in fuel efficiency, and performance and brand are more important considerations.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Use Eco Pro mode, which changes the throttle and shift patterns for the best fuel efficiency. It reduces the car’s performance somewhat, but it can greatly improve fuel economy, especially in city driving. Use this mode for daily commutes, and save Comfort or Sport modes for weekend drives.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the pressure the manufacturer recommends. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which affects fuel economy. Check your tire pressures often, especially during changes in temperature.

Keep the car light. Extra weight increases the load on the engine, requiring more fuel. Remove anything you don’t need.

Anticipate traffic and avoid hard acceleration and braking. Smooth driving uses less fuel than a stop-and-go approach. Look ahead, anticipate changes in traffic, and adjust your speed.

Consider the fuel you use. The 320i doesn’t require premium fuel, but some drivers report slightly better performance and fuel economy when using it. Try it to see if it makes a difference. Remember to consult all Bmw fuel economy data to compare against other models and years.