Choosing the 2019 BMW 540i xDrive means accepting a combined fuel economy of 24 MPG. This is the trade-off for a car with strong performance, all-weather capability, and a premium image. This car isn’t for someone obsessed with maximizing every mile per gallon. It’s for the executive who appreciates driving pleasure but also requires practicality and the security of all-wheel drive.

City and highway performance

The 2019 BMW 540i xDrive, with its smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, gets an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The highway number is respectable for a car with this level of performance. The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine provides plenty of power for effortless highway cruising and quick passing. The city MPG is less impressive, due to the engine’s increased fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic and the added weight of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 BMW 540i xDrive at $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs can change depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local gas prices. Driving aggressively and taking frequent short trips will increase fuel consumption, raising your annual fuel expense. This figure is an estimate and should be used as a general guideline.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a standardized metric, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Owners of the 2019 540i xDrive report varying numbers depending on their driving style and environment. Some drivers report exceeding the EPA’s highway estimate when driving conservatively on long trips. On the other hand, those who frequently drive in congested cities or enjoy the engine’s full power may see numbers closer to 18-19 MPG in combined driving. Expect a range rather than exact matches to the official numbers. Review 540I MPG across all years to get a wider range of owner-submitted efficiency figures.

How it compares

The 2019 BMW 540i xDrive is in a competitive class. For example, the Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic offers similar luxury and performance. The E450’s fuel economy is rated at 23 MPG combined, a bit lower than the 540i xDrive. The Audi A6 3.0T Quattro gets about 25 MPG combined, making it slightly more efficient than the BMW. The Genesis G80 3.3T offers a good value, but its fuel economy is around 20 MPG combined with AWD. These small differences can matter to buyers, especially when looking at long-term costs. Driving dynamics and brand preference often outweigh small differences in fuel efficiency for buyers in this segment. Be sure to consult all Bmw fuel economy data to verify that 5-series MPG is acceptable for your needs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid flooring the accelerator often. The 540i xDrive is fast, but quick acceleration and high-speed driving will lower fuel economy. Smooth, careful driving is the best way to save gas.

Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the weather changes.

Don’t let the engine idle for long. If you’re stopped for longer than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engine start/stop systems can help, but manually switching off the engine is always a good idea.

Select the “Eco Pro” driving mode, if your car has it. This mode adjusts vehicle settings, like throttle response and transmission shift points, to save fuel. It might reduce performance a little, but it can improve MPG in daily driving.

Follow the maintenance schedule. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Get regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance as recommended by BMW.