17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but that’s hardly the point of the 2019 BMW M5. This isn’t a car concerned with fuel consumption; it’s a high-performance sedan engineered to thrill, with luxury and practicality as supporting features. The M5 buyer understands this trade-off. They’re chasing a specific driving experience, one that blends strong acceleration with the refinement expected of a BMW. Concerns about fuel efficiency are typically secondary to the sound of the 4.4L twin-turbo V8 and the driving pleasure this car delivers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, which strains any engine, especially the M5’s powerful one. The highway rating, while still not stellar, shows the engine’s ability to cruise with some efficiency when conditions allow. The eight-speed automatic transmission (S8) prioritizes fast shifts during aggressive driving, and it also contributes to highway efficiency by keeping the engine in its optimal rev range. But keep in mind, if you resist the urge to exploit the M5’s power, you might see figures closer to the EPA estimate. A heavy foot, which the M5 encourages, will quickly diminish any fuel-saving efforts.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,400 for the 2019 BMW M5. That 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. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing against other vehicles, but your actual costs will vary depending on your driving habits and local fuel prices. If you spend most of your time in congested city traffic or regularly drive in a spirited way, expect to exceed that $3,400 figure. Those who spend more time on the open road and drive with a lighter foot may see a lower cost. In any case, this expense is the price for enjoying this level of performance.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers in the real world. Consistently hitting 17 MPG in combined driving will be a challenge for most M5 owners. You can expect something in the low teens with mixed driving, potentially dipping even lower with use of the throttle. The M5’s driving modes also play a role. Comfort mode prioritizes smoother shifts and less aggressive throttle response, which can help improve fuel economy.

Sport and Sport+ modes transform the car’s character, encouraging aggressive driving and higher fuel consumption. Track days and spirited weekend drives will eliminate any hope of achieving the EPA estimates. This is a car that rewards those who prioritize performance over fuel economy, and its real-world fuel consumption reflects that.

How it compares

The M5’s fuel economy sits firmly within the expected range for its performance class. The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S sedan, another direct competitor with a similar twin-turbo V8, offers comparable numbers, hovering around 16 MPG combined. The Porsche Panamera Turbo, while offering various models, also delivers fuel economy in the mid-teens when equipped with its high-output engine. The Audi RS 7, with its distinctive liftback design, struggles to significantly improve upon the M5’s figures.

What makes the M5’s fuel consumption acceptable is its performance, luxury, and practicality. The driver of the M5 is choosing a car for a specific purpose. Those considering the M5 aren’t prioritizing fuel economy over raw power or advanced features, these buyers can also review all Bmw fuel economy data should they choose to look at other models as well.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use Comfort mode when possible. It might be tempting to leave the M5 in Sport or Sport+ mode for maximum responsiveness, but Comfort mode softens the throttle response and optimizes the transmission for efficiency. This is useful during everyday commuting where performance isn’t necessary.

Resist the urge to accelerate hard. The M5’s twin-turbo V8 is responsive, but every burst of acceleration uses fuel. Smooth and gradual acceleration, especially from a standstill, will help conserve fuel.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine, especially in the M5, which restarts easily. Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures that the engine is running efficiently. Old oil and clogged filters can negatively impact fuel economy. Consider all M5 MPG across all years before deciding on a model.