16 MPG combined. Nobody buys a 2016 BMW X5 M expecting great fuel economy. That figure places it among the least efficient vehicles, similar to some pickup trucks and serious off-road vehicles. The X5 M is a different kind of vehicle. It’s a high-performance SUV designed for fast acceleration and surprisingly good handling considering its size. Fuel efficiency isn’t its primary goal, and that is usually true for its buyers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 BMW X5 M are 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. City driving involves frequent stops, starts, and idling, all of which hurt fuel economy. The X5 M’s strong 4.4-liter V8 engine requires a lot of fuel to repeatedly accelerate its weight, even with its advanced design.

On the highway, the engine runs more efficiently at a constant speed, but even then, it needs to push through significant air resistance.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 BMW X5 M at $3,600. This assumes 15,000 miles per year, with 55% city and 45% highway driving, using the national average premium fuel price, which the X5 M requires. Your actual fuel costs will vary based on your driving, location, and gas prices. However, $3,600 provides a good idea of the ongoing cost.

Real-world expectations

You can expect fuel economy close to the EPA estimates if you drive carefully. However, the engine’s power is tempting, so frequent, hard acceleration will lower fuel economy. Short trips, particularly in cold weather, will also reduce fuel economy because the engine won’t reach its best temperature. Also, the X5 M is heavy and has all-wheel drive, so fuel economy differs less based on driving style than some vehicles. Even careful drivers will struggle to beat the EPA combined number consistently. You can check X5 MPG across all years to see how this model compares.

How it compares

The 2016 BMW X5 M has few direct competitors, and they aren’t known for fuel efficiency either. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, with its turbocharged V8, gets an EPA-estimated 15 MPG combined. The Range Rover Sport SVR, another high-performance SUV with a supercharged V8, is rated at 16 MPG combined, the same as the X5 M. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S achieves a slightly better 17 MPG combined, even though it offers similar performance. One or two MPG might seem small, but it affects fuel costs over time. Buyers in this category often compare these vehicles based on performance, luxury, and to a lesser degree, fuel economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Even if fuel economy is not a main concern with the X5 M, you can still improve it a bit. Accelerating gently from a stop saves a small amount of fuel. A smooth and steady acceleration is better than aggressive, quick acceleration.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel. Turn off the engine if you’re stopped for more than a minute. This helps, especially in the city.

Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check tire pressures often, especially when the temperature changes.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra weight in the car reduces fuel economy. Remove things you don’t need to lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency. Every bit helps.

Use cruise control on the highway when you can. Keeping a constant speed helps save on fuel and reduces the need to speed up and slow down. Cruise control helps the engine run more efficiently. You can explore all Bmw fuel economy data on FueleconomyHub.com.