16 MPG combined is the price of admission to the rarified world of the 2019 BMW M760i xDrive. No one needing to justify their fuel bill is cross-shopping this twelve-cylinder land rocket, a vehicle that exists to deliver effortless thrust regardless of speed or driving situation. Its owners prioritize smoothness, vast power reserves, and exclusivity above all else. Fuel consumption is, at best, a tertiary concern.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the M760i xDrive will achieve 13 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. That sizable disparity reflects the engine’s nature. Around town, stop-and-go traffic forces frequent dips into the boost, negating much of the efficiency gained from the eight-speed automatic transmission. Out on the open road, however, the M760i can cruise comfortably near its peak efficiency, provided you resist the urge to unleash the engine’s full potential.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates that the average M760i owner will spend approximately $3,600 on fuel annually. This figure assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a mix of city and highway miles, using the national average fuel price. Of course, that’s just an average. Someone driving primarily in congested urban areas, regularly exploiting the car’s performance, or living in a region with higher fuel costs could easily surpass that number.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently replicate the EPA figures in the real world. The M760i’s official numbers are generated under controlled laboratory conditions that rarely reflect actual driving patterns. Owners with a heavy foot, or those frequently stuck in rush-hour traffic, will likely see their fuel economy dip below the official estimates. Conversely, those who prioritize fuel conservation on longer highway trips might see slightly better results.

How it compares

The M760i occupies a unique space where outright fuel economy isn’t the primary focus, even among flagship luxury sedans. The V8-powered BMW 750i xDrive achieves an EPA-estimated 19 MPG combined, significantly better than the 760i. The Mercedes-Benz S560, also equipped with a V8, manages around 22 MPG combined. The hybrid Mercedes-Benz S560e offers substantially better fuel economy. However, those vehicles don’t deliver the unique smoothness and prodigious torque of the M760i’s V12. For those seeking truly economical luxury, the Lexus LS 500h hybrid achieves an impressive 25 MPG combined, but it lacks the outright performance and sporting intentions of the BMW. Be sure to do research about all Bmw fuel economy data before making any decisions.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Exploiting the M760i’s prodigious power delivery at every opportunity is tempting, but resist that urge if you want to preserve fuel. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will help you stay out of the boost and within the engine’s more efficient operating range.

The default Comfort or Eco Pro driving modes will generally deliver better fuel economy than Sport or Sport+. These modes adjust throttle response, transmission shift points, and other parameters to prioritize efficiency over performance. Become familiar with these settings and use them appropriately.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated and your car is well-maintained. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, while a poorly maintained engine can lose efficiency. Regular servicing will keep your M760i running optimally.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo increases the engine’s workload, reducing overall economy. Remove items from the car that you don’t need, especially for longer trips. Also be mindful of the M760I MPG across all years to get a better understanding of its efficiency history.