18 MPG combined is what you get with the 2017 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe. It’s not a grocery-getter; it’s a hand-finished performance machine in a four-door coupe body. For those who want its power and exclusivity, fuel economy is secondary.

City and highway performance

The B6’s EPA ratings are 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects driving a twin-turbocharged V8 in stop-and-go traffic. Its responsiveness and eagerness to accelerate require self-control to avoid fast starts. The highway number is more realistic. Cruising at legal speeds, the Alpina B6 is comfortable, and 24 MPG is possible if you don’t always use its full potential. But that’s not easy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Alpina B6 at $3,200. This assumes 15,000 miles per year, with a percentage in city versus highway driving, using national average fuel prices. This an estimate, and your costs will change depending on driving, routes, and premium gasoline prices, which this high-performance engine needs. This cost is part of owning a vehicle that delivers a very specific driving experience.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA is a benchmark, real-world MPG for the Alpina B6 varies. Drivers who accelerate quickly will see numbers at the low end or even single digits during aggressive driving. Those who accelerate smoothly and drive consistently, especially on long trips, might exceed the EPA’s highway rating. Expect a range between 14 and 26 MPG, with the average near the EPA’s combined figure.

How it compares

The Alpina B6 is unique, mixing high-performance sedans and luxurious coupes. Consider the BMW M6 Gran Coupe. Similar in spirit, the M6 had lower EPA ratings of 17 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG CLS63 S is in a similar MPG range. The Porsche Panamera Turbo, a direct competitor in performance and price, offers comparable fuel economy, around 18 MPG combined, but can be configured to achieve better numbers in the plug-in hybrid variant. These numbers are important for those comparing vehicles. Those looking for all Bmw fuel economy data should consider them, but remember, people who buy an Alpina B6 are choosing something exclusive. See the ALPINA MPG across all years to see how it fits in with the brand’s numbers. For the buyer, the small MPG differences are less influential than the B6’s hand-finished craftsmanship, exclusive design, and enhanced performance.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration saves gas in a high-performance vehicle like the Alpina B6. The twin-turbo V8 is responsive, but even moderate throttle uses a lot of fuel. Smooth, gradual acceleration minimizes fuel use, especially in city driving.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can improve fuel economy. This is crucial on grades where the engine could be overworked to maintain speed.

Ensure your tires are inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which are on the doorjamb or in the owner’s manual.

Consider using the Alpina B6’s ECO PRO mode when possible. This mode optimizes the engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency, sometimes reducing instant responsiveness. While it may slightly diminish the driving experience, it can lead to fuel savings, particularly during commutes or highway driving.

Minimize idling. A running engine consumes fuel even when the vehicle is stationary. Turn off the engine if you expect to idle for more than a minute, as restarting the engine uses less fuel than idling. This can be helpful in stop-and-go traffic or waiting in parking lots.