27 MPG combined is not the reason anyone buys a 2020 BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe. This stylish four-door sedan appeals to a very specific buyer: one who wants a taste of the BMW brand, appreciates its sporty handling, and accepts slightly compromised rear seat space and fuel economy in exchange for a manageable monthly payment and undeniably attractive design. It’s a gateway to the larger, more luxurious BMW lineup, and it doesn’t try to be anything else.

City and highway performance

The 228i xDrive Gran Coupe achieves an EPA-estimated 23 MPG in the city and a more respectable 33 MPG on the highway. That disparity reflects the realities of stop-and-go driving, where the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine works harder and the eight-speed automatic transmission (S8) shifts frequently. The highway figure, however, is where this car performs best. The engine settles into a relaxed cruise, showing its efficiency in lower-demand scenarios. Owners who prioritize highway commutes will see numbers closer to the EPA estimate, while those primarily navigating urban environments should anticipate fuel consumption closer to the 23 MPG mark. Keep in mind that this Gran Coupe comes standard with xDrive, Bmw’s all-wheel-drive system, which adds weight and complexity, further affecting fuel efficiency when compared to a front-wheel drive vehicle.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe at $2,150. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s important to understand that this is an average. Your actual fuel costs will vary significantly depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium is recommended), prevailing fuel prices in your area, and even the time of year. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and prolonged idling will all negatively impact your fuel bill.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers are a good starting point, real-world fuel economy often differs. Owners of the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe frequently report figures slightly below the combined 27 MPG, particularly in mixed driving conditions. Factors such as traffic congestion, personal driving style, and even tire pressure can all play a role. Don’t be surprised if you consistently see numbers in the low-to-mid 20s during your day-to-day commute. 228I MPG across all years shows how the Gran Coupe compares to the two-door version.

How it compares

The 2020 BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe is in a competitive segment, facing rivals with varying approaches to fuel economy. The Mercedes-Benz A220 4MATIC, another stylish small sedan, achieves a similar 28 MPG combined. The Audi A3, even more compact, can reach up to 31 MPG combined in its front-wheel drive configuration, while the all-wheel-drive version is closer to the BMW at 27 MPG. A Lexus IS300 AWD, while offering more rear seat room, lags behind with a combined 22 MPG. Choosing a car based solely on fuel efficiency would lead a buyer away from the 228i, but those who value the BMW driving experience are willing to accept the trade-off. See all Bmw fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the 228i xDrive Gran Coupe responds well to a smooth and deliberate driving style. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these maneuvers significantly increase fuel consumption. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. While the engine is powerful, it is built to perform more efficiently at lower RPM.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Regularly checking and maintaining proper tire pressure is a simple way to improve your fuel economy, handling, and tire life.

Reduce unnecessary weight in your vehicle. Carrying around extra cargo in the trunk or rear seats adds to the overall weight of the car, which negatively impacts fuel efficiency. Remove items you don’t need to carry regularly. This applies whether you plan to make short trips across town, or drive your BMW on longer road trips.

While BMW recommends premium fuel, some owners may be tempted to use regular gasoline. However, the engine is designed to run optimally on premium fuel, and using lower grades could reduce performance and potentially damage the engine over time. Sticking to BMW’s recommendations will allow the vehicle to operate at peak efficiency and maintain its long-term reliability.

Use cruise control on the highway whenever possible. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy compared to manually controlling the throttle. However, be mindful of traffic conditions and avoid using cruise control in heavy traffic or hilly terrain, where frequent adjustments can negate its benefits.