An 18 MPG combined fuel economy should be viewed in context when considering the 2016 BMW Alpina B6 Gran Coupe xDrive. This car is not a commuter; it’s a carefully engineered high-speed touring car with a subtly aggressive four-door coupe design. Buyers typically seek exclusivity, performance, and handcrafted luxury instead of prioritizing low fuel consumption. The fuel economy is simply part of the ownership experience.

City and highway performance

The Alpina B6 Gran Coupe achieves an EPA-estimated 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. This difference between city and highway MPG is normal for powerful, turbocharged engines. In stop-and-go driving, the engine works harder and uses more fuel. However, the B6’s engine management system can better optimize efficiency on the open road when cruise control is engaged.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Alpina B6 Gran Coupe at $3,200. This is based on 15,000 miles of driving per year, a mix of city and highway conditions, and national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary based on your driving style, fuel grade (premium fuel is required), and local fuel prices. Expect to exceed the EPA estimate if you frequently accelerate hard in the city.

Real-world expectations

Do not expect to consistently achieve the EPA estimates, especially if you often use the B6’s considerable power. You’ll be tempted to unleash the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, and aggressive driving will decrease your fuel economy. However, you can get close to 24 MPG with steady highway driving. The B6 is designed for effortless high-speed cruising, not maximum MPG.

How it compares

The Alpina B6’s fuel economy competes with other high-performance luxury sedans, but isn’t the best in its class. The Mercedes-AMG CLS63 S, which offers similar performance, gets around 16 MPG combined. The Porsche Panamera Turbo, another competitor, has approximately the same combined rating at 18 MPG. A BMW M6 Gran Coupe delivers approximately 17 MPG combined. For Alpina buyers, these comparisons are less important than the unique combination of performance, exclusivity, and handcrafted details that Alpina provides. The BMW 640i Gran Coupe, which offers around 25 MPG combined, is an alternative for those wanting better fuel efficiency, but it lacks significant power and performance. See all all Bmw fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Always use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed prevents unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which affects fuel economy. Using the B6’s adaptive cruise control helps keep a safe distance from other vehicles, further optimizing efficiency.

Avoid rapid acceleration. While it’s tempting to floor the accelerator, smooth acceleration will conserve fuel. Let the engine build power predictably, rather than using its full potential at every chance. You can moderate your driving by using the instantaneous fuel economy gauge.

Make sure your tires have the correct pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which decreases fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the levels on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Proper tire inflation can also improve handling and tire life.

When you can, engage “Eco Pro” driving mode. This setting modifies vehicle parameters such as throttle response and shift points to prioritize less gas. While this may reduce the B6’s sporty feel, it can improve fuel economy in some cases.

Keep up with routine maintenance. An engine runs more efficiently when it is well-maintained. Follow the recommended service schedule for oil and filter changes, and for replacing spark plugs. Repair any mechanical problems quickly to prevent drops in fuel economy. See all ALPINA MPG across all years, too.