21 MPG combined probably won’t be the main selling point of the 2016 BMW 535i xDrive Gran Turismo. This isn’t meant to compete with a Prius; it’s a uniquely styled, high-riding hatchback-wagon with all-wheel drive and a smooth turbocharged inline-six. Owners likely accept the less-than-stellar fuel economy for its other benefits. They want space, comfort, and unconventional styling above saving gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 535i xDrive Gran Turismo gets 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect what it takes to move a vehicle of this size. City driving, with its frequent stops, uses a lot of fuel. The highway figure is better, because the engine can cruise easily at higher speeds. The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission also helps, keeping the engine running efficiently.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, expect to pay around $2,750 per year on fuel for the 2016 BMW 535i xDrive Gran Turismo. This assumes driving 15,000 miles per year, split between city and highway, using average national fuel prices when the estimate was made. Keep in mind that fuel costs change depending on how you drive and local gas prices, so this is only an estimate.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings are a starting point, but actual fuel economy often varies. Drivers who accelerate quickly or spend most of their time in traffic will likely see lower numbers than the EPA estimates. However, drivers who are more careful and mainly drive on highways might exceed 26 MPG on the highway. Weather is also a factor. All-wheel-drive systems work harder in bad weather, using more fuel. Finally, make sure your tires have the correct pressure — improper pressures negatively affect fuel economy.

How it compares

The 535i xDrive Gran Turismo’s fuel economy is in a certain range when compared to similar cars. The Audi A7 3.0T, another hatchback-styled luxury vehicle, got about 22 MPG combined for the same year. The Mercedes-Benz CLS550, with its larger V8 engine, only got around 19 MPG combined. An SUV like the BMW X5 xDrive35i has similar space, and it typically gets around 20 MPG combined. These comparisons show the compromises buyers make: the Gran Turismo isn’t the most fuel-efficient, but it’s unique and more practical than a sedan. See all Bmw fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 535i xDrive Gran Turismo has selectable driving modes. “Eco Pro” mode changes the engine, transmission, and even climate control settings to save fuel. Use this mode when you want the best fuel economy, like on the highway or when you aren’t demanding much power from the engine.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires create resistance and hurt fuel economy. Check your tires often and inflate them to the pressure on the doorjamb sticker.

Watch the traffic and avoid accelerating or braking hard. Accelerating and braking smoothly is better than sudden bursts of power. Looking ahead and keeping a consistent speed can greatly improve fuel economy. Remember 535I MPG across all years depends on how you drive.

Don’t let the engine idle if you can avoid it. Idling wastes fuel without moving the car. If you’re stopping for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine.

On the highway, cruise control helps you keep a constant speed, reducing how much you accelerate and decelerate. Be careful on hills, and turn off cruise control when going up steep hills or down long grades to prevent wasting fuel.