16 MPG combined is the price of admission to the exclusive club of high-performance luxury SUVs that the 2018 BMW X5 M represents. No one buys an X5 M for its frugality; they buy it for its sledgehammer acceleration, composed handling, and the prestige of the M badge. The fuel bill is secondary to the visceral thrill of piloting a nearly 5,300-pound SUV that can keep pace with many sports cars.

City and highway performance

The X5 M’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine offers breathtaking power, but it demands a steady supply of premium fuel. EPA estimates peg city driving at 14 MPG, a figure that aligns with what one might expect from a high-output V8 wrestling with stop-and-go traffic. On the highway, careful driving might yield 19 MPG, though the temptation to exploit the engine’s abundant reserves often proves too strong for many drivers. The X5 M’s instantaneous throttle response and imperious overtaking ability make it difficult to resist unleashing its full potential, invariably impacting fuel consumption. Drivers interested in better fuel economy should explore X5 MPG across all years to see how the non-M versions compare.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,600 for the 2018 BMW X5 M. 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. This number is merely an estimate, as individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the percentage of city versus highway driving. Drivers who accelerate quickly and live in areas with high fuel costs can anticipate exceeding this estimate, possibly by a significant margin.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy for the X5 M often falls short of the official estimates. Owners report combined MPGs in the 13-15 range, particularly if their driving involves a significant amount of city commuting or spirited backroad excursions. This is due to the engine’s prodigious power output (567 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque) and the X5 M’s sheer mass. The power encourages frequent bursts of acceleration, while the vehicle’s weight requires more effort to maintain momentum. Expect to spend far more at the pump than the average car owner.

How it compares

The X5 M’s fuel economy sits at the lower end of the performance SUV spectrum. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S, another competitor, achieves a similar EPA-rated 15 MPG combined. The Range Rover Sport SVR fares only slightly better, also hovering around 16 MPG. Even some less performance-oriented, but still powerful, SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo (around 17 MPG combined) offer marginally better fuel efficiency. These small differences are unlikely to sway an X5 M buyer, who prioritizes performance above all else. For example, someone shopping all Bmw fuel economy data to find the most efficient models is not looking at an X5 M.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Consistent and gentle acceleration is important. The X5 M’s power is intoxicating, but each hard launch and abrupt overtaking maneuver extracts a penalty in fuel consumption. Try to anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible, minimizing the need for sudden braking and acceleration.

Keep the tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure specifications, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Engage “ECO PRO” mode if equipped. This mode adjusts the engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency over outright performance. While it does temper the X5 M’s responsiveness, it can produce an improvement in MPG, especially during highway cruising.

Minimize aerodynamic drag. Remove any unnecessary items from the roof rack, as they create wind resistance and increase fuel consumption. Ensure that the windows are closed at higher speeds to further reduce drag.

Consider the weight you’re hauling. While this isn’t a vehicle typically used for heavy loads, avoid carrying unnecessary cargo. Every extra pound contributes to increased fuel consumption, particularly during city driving.