21 MPG combined won’t win the 2019 BMW 650i Gran Coupe any awards for low fuel costs, but this statistic is probably irrelevant to the car’s core mission and its buyer. This is a four-door coupe designed for effortless high-speed cruising and making a statement. Fuel efficiency is a distant concern for someone prioritizing a sonorous 4.4L V8 and the admiring glances the car gets.

City and highway performance

The 650i Gran Coupe’s EPA estimates break down to 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. While 18 MPG in urban environments might seem low, remember the engine is a twin-turbocharged V8 producing 445 horsepower. The highway figure, however, is respectable for a car of this size and power. The smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission optimizes engine speed at cruising velocities. A long highway journey can easily see you exceeding the EPA’s figure, if you resist the urge to fully unleash the V8’s potential.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 BMW 650i Gran Coupe at $2,750. This figure assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a mix of city and highway conditions, using the national average fuel price when the estimate was performed. Real-world fuel costs will vary depending on individual driving habits and fluctuating gasoline prices. It’s a useful benchmark, but don’t be surprised if your actual expenses differ significantly, especially if most of your miles are accumulated during rush hour or during enthusiastic weekend drives.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized yardstick, real-world figures rarely align perfectly. Owners of the 650i Gran Coupe frequently report slightly lower MPG than the EPA estimates, particularly in combined driving. A heavy foot will easily drop the average below 20 MPG. However, careful highway driving can see numbers closer to 28 MPG. Driving style plays a significant role, as does the specific type of driving. Short trips in cold weather with a cold engine will penalize fuel economy, as would frequent bursts of acceleration to exploit the engine’s substantial reserves of power. Visit 650I MPG across all years if you’re curious how this model’s numbers vary through its production run.

How it compares

The 2019 BMW 650i Gran Coupe occupies a unique space in the performance sedan market. The Audi A7, with its supercharged V6, manages a slightly superior 22 MPG combined, although it lacks the raw power of the BMW’s V8. For buyers drawn to the luxury of the 650i, fuel costs may be considered less intensely than performance. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 of the same vintage posts similar numbers to the 650i but with a different style of driving. Looking at other BMW models, you can compare all Bmw fuel economy data to see how the 650i stacks up against other engines. While the numbers are comparable, this comparison is more about personal choice. The choice to have a larger engine can affect those numbers, but to most buyers is worth the difference.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel efficiency might not be the primary concern, some steps can improve the 650i Gran Coupe’s MPG. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, especially when the engine is cold. Smooth, gradual inputs minimize fuel wasted during rapid transitions.

Regularly check tire pressures. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel economy. Adhering to the recommended tire pressures ensures optimal contact with the road and reduces unnecessary drag.

Use the car’s “Eco Pro” driving mode when possible. This setting remaps the throttle response and modifies shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency. While it might dull the acceleration somewhat, it can make a noticeable difference on long trips.

Remember that excessive idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. Turn off the engine if you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, minimizing any potential wear. It is more efficient than idling.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Excess cargo increases the engine’s workload, leading to lower fuel economy. Remove items from the trunk or backseat that are not essential for your journey.