19 MPG combined is not what motivates a buyer to sign on the dotted line for the 2016 BMW M4 Convertible. It’s not a Prius competitor disguised as a sports car, it’s a dedicated performance machine with a retractable hardtop. The fuel economy number is simply something accepted as part of the price of admission, like the cost of premium fuel or the occasional track day.

City and highway performance

The M4 Convertible’s EPA estimates break down to 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the engine spends significant time at idle or under low-speed acceleration. The highway number, while better, still isn’t stellar, a consequence of the M4’s aerodynamic profile and the expectation that drivers will frequently use the turbocharger’s boost on open roads. In practice, expect the highway figure to change quite a bit based on how hard you press the accelerator. Drive it gently, and you might get closer to 24; drive it like it’s meant to be driven, and you’ll see a considerably lower number.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 BMW M4 Convertible at $3,050. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also assumes the use of premium gasoline, which is required for optimal performance in the M4’s turbocharged engine. Keep in mind that this is an average; your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the number of miles you drive each year. Someone who primarily uses the M4 for weekend joyrides will likely spend less, while a daily commuter in a congested city could easily exceed $3,050 annually.

Real-world expectations

Regardless of what the EPA stickers say, real-world fuel economy in the M4 Convertible is heavily influenced by driving style. A light-footed driver who focuses on smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic can likely match or even slightly exceed the EPA estimates. However, the M4’s responsive engine and capable chassis are inherently tempting to exploit. Expect to see average MPG drop significantly when engaging more spirited driving habits. The car rewards aggressive driving, and that reward comes at the pump. Knowing M4 MPG across all years is helpful when evaluating your own driving habits against the averages.

How it compares

Compared to other performance convertibles, the 2016 M4’s fuel economy falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. A similar era Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet delivered roughly the same 19 MPG combined, with similar city and highway splits (+/- 1-2 MPG). A Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible with the automatic transmission offers slightly better figures, around 20 MPG combined. A Mercedes-AMG C63 S Convertible, offering comparable performance from a V8 engine, tends to be lower, often hovering around 18 MPG combined or even lower in real-world use. For BMW enthusiasts who want to see all Bmw fuel economy data, this comparison may be less about strict MPG figures and more about the overall driving experience that justifies the tradeoffs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the M4 is designed for performance, there are steps you can take to improve fuel economy without losing the fun. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking whenever possible. Smooth, gradual inputs are more fuel-efficient, and they also contribute to a more comfortable ride for your passenger.

Use the M4’s driving modes. The “Eco Pro” mode, while not necessarily suited for spirited driving, can help to optimize fuel consumption during highway cruising or in moderate traffic. This mode softens throttle response and adjusts other vehicle settings to prioritize efficiency.

Proper tire inflation is critical for both performance and fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended levels listed on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency.

Minimize idling time. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly and efficiently, and this simple habit can save a surprising amount of fuel over the long run. This is especially true in a turbocharged engine like the M4’s, which consumes more fuel at idle than a naturally aspirated engine.

Keep your M4 well-maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and other routine maintenance tasks ensure that your engine is running efficiently. A properly maintained engine burns fuel more cleanly and effectively than one that is neglected.