19 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards for lower fuel costs, but the 2015 BMW Alpina B6 Gran Coupe isn’t trying to be a Prius. This is a hand-finished performance machine draped in a four-door coupe body; fuel efficiency is a minor concern, at best, for its clientele.

City and highway performance

The Alpina B6 delivers an EPA-estimated 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Consider the Alpina B6 driver: they likely own multiple properties, are seasoned international travelers, and prioritize exclusivity over economy. When they’re stuck in city traffic, they’re more concerned with the supple leather and the Bowers & Wilkins sound system than the depleting fuel gauge. Out on the open road, that 24 MPG likely manifests as blissful, effortless high-speed cruising, with the twin-turbo V8 barely breaking a sweat on the way to the Hamptons or Napa Valley.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA pegs the annual fuel cost for the 2015 BMW Alpina B6 Gran Coupe at $3,050. This figure assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, using the EPA’s calculation of the national average fuel price. While individual costs will vary depending on driving habits and local fuel prices, $3,050 is the benchmark for comparison. The typical Alpina B6 buyer probably spends more than that annually on fine wine, so the fuel bill is a minor consideration.

Real-world expectations

Forget hypermiling; forget coasting in neutral. Owners of the Alpina B6 buy the car for blistering acceleration and all-weather confidence thanks to the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Real-world MPG will almost certainly be lower than the EPA estimates if you regularly exploit the 600 horsepower that lurks beneath the hood. Driven sedately, it’s possible to approach the EPA’s numbers, but who buys an Alpina to drive sedately? It’s a safe bet that most owners see MPG figures closer to the low teens in everyday driving.

How it compares

The Alpina B6’s fuel economy lands it in a specific niche. A Mercedes-AMG CLS63 S, a direct competitor from the same model year, achieves a similar 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S, while offering comparable performance, manages only slightly better at 15 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. Even some high-performance SUVs like a Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged come close in MPG, hovering around 16 MPG combined. Comparing the Alpina B6 to all BMW fuel economy data highlights the fuel economy trade-off compared to its conventional stablemates. The trade-off is worth it for the target buyer, who values handcrafted exclusivity and ultimate performance over outright fuel savings; finding ALPINA MPG across all years indicates that they aren’t getting any better.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Alpina B6 isn’t designed for ultimate fuel efficiency, there are still steps that owners can take to minimize fuel consumption. Ensure that the tires are properly inflated. The B6’s large wheels and performance tires are sensitive to pressure, and underinflated tires increase rolling resistance.

Use smooth acceleration and braking techniques. Avoid sudden bursts of speed or hard stops, as these actions contribute to drastically reduced fuel economy. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady pace to optimize fuel efficiency.

Minimize idling time. The Alpina B6’s engine is thirsty, even at idle. Avoid unnecessary idling, especially in heavy traffic or when waiting for someone. Turn off the engine if you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute.

Consider using a lighter touch on the accelerator. While the Alpina B6 is built for exhilarating performance, resist the urge to constantly unleash its full potential. Driving at a more moderate pace can significantly improve fuel economy, especially on the highway.