24 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but in the 2017 BMW 340i xDrive Gran Turismo, it’s a functional compromise. This isn’t a car solely about efficiency. It’s about blending practicality with BMW’s signature driving experience, and for many owners, the tradeoff is acceptable.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 340i xDrive Gran Turismo are 20 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. That spread reflects the car’s character. In urban settings, the stop-and-go nature of traffic forces the turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder engine to work harder, diminishing fuel efficiency. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system also adds a small parasitic loss, further contributing to the lower city figure. However, on the open road, the 340i xDrive Gran Turismo settles into its stride. The smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs, maximizing efficiency for long-distance hauls.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2017 BMW 340i xDrive Gran Turismo is $2,400. 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, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits and local fuel prices, but $2,400 provides a standardized baseline for comparison.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a useful benchmark, achieving those numbers in the real world depends heavily on driving style and conditions. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will decrease fuel economy. Conversely, a smoother, more deliberate driving style can help drivers approach, or even slightly exceed, the EPA estimates. Topography also matters.

Driving in hilly or mountainous areas will generally reduce fuel economy compared to driving on flat terrain.

How it compares

Against its rivals, the 2017 BMW 340i xDrive Gran Turismo occupies a specific niche. Consider the Audi A4 allroad, a wagon with similar aspirations. The A4 allroad achieves around 25 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic wagon comes close with around 25 MPG combined as well. The BMW’s lower MPG figure isn’t arbitrary. It’s a reflection of BMW’s engine tuning and emphasis on driving dynamics. Buyers choosing the BMW often prioritize performance and handling feel over outright fuel efficiency, accepting the small penalty at the pump. These buyers are trading a few MPG for the distinctive character that BMW offers. Owners can find all all Bmw fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the car’s driving modes. The 340i xDrive Gran Turismo features selectable driving modes, including an “Eco Pro” mode that optimizes various vehicle settings for maximum fuel efficiency. This mode typically adjusts throttle response, shift points, and climate control settings to minimize fuel consumption.

Monitor tire pressure regularly. Maintaining the correct tire pressure, as specified on the door jamb sticker, is important for both safety and fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing MPG. Check tire pressure at least once a month, and adjust as needed.

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary braking. By looking ahead and anticipating traffic patterns, drivers can minimize the need for hard braking and acceleration. Coasting to a stop whenever possible helps conserve momentum and reduces fuel consumption.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which in turn optimizes fuel efficiency on long highway drives. Avoid using cruise control in hilly or mountainous areas, as the system may downshift frequently, negating its fuel-saving benefits. Owners interested in additional model information can find 340I MPG across all years here.