24 MPG combined is a sensible figure for the 2018 BMW 740i. After all, people don’t buy a flagship luxury sedan expecting Prius-like fuel consumption. They want a smooth, powerful engine, a supremely comfortable cabin, and a prestigious badge. The 740i excels in these areas, making its fuel economy less of a deciding factor for owners. Drivers who prioritize making a statement over squeezing every last drop of gasoline from the tank will find the 740i a good fit.

City and highway performance

The 740i’s EPA ratings break down to 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving common in urban areas, conditions that can be hard on larger, heavier cars. The 29 MPG highway rating, however, shows how efficient BMW’s engineering is at cruising speeds. The smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission keeps the engine operating efficiently, balancing power and fuel consumption. For buyers who spend a lot of time on the open road, the 740i’s highway performance provides a welcome degree of efficiency alongside its luxurious features.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2018 BMW 740i is $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price at the time of testing. Individual driving habits and local fuel prices could change this figure, of course. Still, $2,400 gives potential owners a benchmark to consider.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings offer a standardized comparison, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Aggressive driving, frequent use of the car’s Sport mode, and heavy traffic can all lower fuel consumption. A more measured driving style and more highway driving could potentially exceed the EPA estimates. The 740i has features like automatic start/stop, which shuts off the engine at traffic lights to save fuel. Whether this is helpful or not is up to the driver, since the system adds a slight delay as the engine restarts.

Owners who want more information can research 740I MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2018 BMW 740i’s fuel economy compares reasonably well to competitors. The Mercedes-Benz S450, another popular choice, gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined. The Lexus LS 500 matches the 740i with 24 MPG combined. The Audi A8, a direct rival, comes in slightly lower at 22 MPG combined. These small differences in MPG probably won’t change a buyer’s decision much, as things like styling, features, and brand preference often matter more.

The 740i buyer may also want to consider all Bmw fuel economy data to see the MPG differences among BMW’s entire lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the 740i’s driving modes. Selecting “Eco Pro” mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by adjusting throttle response, transmission shift points, and climate control settings. While it may slightly reduce performance, it can noticeably improve MPG, especially during city driving where there are more opportunities to save on fuel.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which you can find on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. This small change can add up to a small improvement in fuel economy over time.

Anticipate traffic flow. Looking ahead and anticipating traffic patterns lets you avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. Smooth, consistent driving minimizes fuel consumption. Maintaining a safe following distance also allows for more gradual deceleration, reducing the need for hard braking.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for a long time wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s generally more efficient to turn off the engine. The 740i has automatic start/stop functionality, which does this automatically, but you can manually shut down the engine in situations where the system doesn’t engage.