21 MPG combined likely won’t appeal to most mainstream car buyers. But the 2017 BMW 535i xDrive Gran Turismo 3.0L 6-cyl isn’t for “most” people. It’s a niche vehicle for those who want space, versatility, and a touch of quirky design over outright fuel efficiency. These drivers need the cargo capacity of a crossover, the comfort of a luxury sedan, and all-weather confidence with all-wheel drive, and they’re willing to pay more at the pump to get it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway accurately show what it’s like to drive this car. The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, while smooth and powerful, needs a fair amount of fuel to move the Gran Turismo’s weight. The city figure suffers from the stop-and-go of urban driving, constantly needing power to accelerate from a standstill.

On the open road, the eight-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in its most efficient range, allowing for reasonable highway mileage, though even that is hardly best in class. Drivers used to smaller, lighter vehicles will fill up more often than they’re used to.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 BMW 535i xDrive Gran Turismo is $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline (required for best performance). Consider this significant expense, especially compared to more fuel-efficient options. Potential buyers should assess their annual mileage and driving habits to see if this cost is acceptable in their budget.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary greatly depending on driving and habits. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and long idling will hurt fuel efficiency. Drivers who spend most of their time in busy cities will likely see numbers close to, or even below, the 18 MPG city estimate. However, those who mostly drive on the highway and maintain a steady cruising speed might get figures slightly above the 26 MPG highway rating. Getting the EPA estimates requires a conscious effort to drive smoothly and efficiently.

How it compares

The 2017 BMW 535i xDrive Gran Turismo doesn’t do well against its competitors in fuel economy. The Audi A7, a similarly styled hatchback with available all-wheel drive, gets a combined EPA rating of 24 MPG with it’s 2.0T engine. The larger and more powerful Mercedes-Benz CLS550, with its turbocharged V8, comes close at 20 MPG combined, and offers more performance. The Porsche Panamera, another performance-oriented hatchback, manages 22 MPG combined in its base trim. These comparisons show the fuel economy trade-off the Gran Turismo buyer makes for its unique space and style. Browse 535I MPG across all years, and you’ll see this version struggles with fuel efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the BMW’s driving modes. “Eco Pro” mode will remap the throttle and transmission shift points to increase fuel efficiency. It will also reduce the power used by systems like the air conditioning, further improving mileage. Don’t expect fast acceleration in this mode, but it’s good for highway cruising and slow-speed city driving.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. Use a good tire pressure gauge for accurate readings.

Watch traffic flow and avoid unnecessary braking. By looking ahead and watching traffic lights and slowdowns, you can coast more often, reducing hard braking and acceleration. This saves fuel and reduces wear on your brakes.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for a long time uses fuel without going anywhere. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles restart quickly, so there’s no need to idle unnecessarily.

Remove extra weight. Carrying extra cargo increases the vehicle’s weight, which hurts fuel economy. Remove items you don’t need for your commute or trips. Even small weight reductions can add up. You can see all Bmw fuel economy data on our site.