17 MPG combined is what you get when you drive the 2020 BMW M5 Competition. To be clear, no one buys an M5 Competition expecting Prius-like fuel efficiency. This is a 617-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V8-powered super sedan designed to set fast lap times and outperform sports cars, not participate in hypermiling events. The fuel consumption is a consideration, a line item in the budget of someone who values performance above all else.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the M5 Competition are 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These numbers represent how most owners will experience the car. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go of urban environments, where the M5’s power is rarely fully used. On the open road, the highway figure is possible, but only with disciplined throttle control. The temptation to accelerate and feel the M5’s effortless power is ever-present, and frequent indulgence will quickly reduce attempts at saving gas.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 BMW M5 Competition at $3,400. This calculation 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 considerable sum, but a figure most M5 Competition buyers have already considered. For these drivers, the thrill of driving outweighs the cost.

Real-world expectations

Do not expect to consistently match the EPA estimates. While achieving 21 MPG on a long highway cruise is possible with a light foot, the temptation to use the M5’s power is often too strong. Aggressive acceleration, frequent gear changes, and spirited driving will all significantly reduce fuel economy. Expect numbers closer to the city estimate, or even lower, in typical mixed driving. Individual driving style is the biggest factor influencing fuel consumption.

How it compares

The M5 Competition is in a segment of high-performance luxury sedans. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S, its closest rival, delivers similar performance with an EPA-estimated 16 MPG combined. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S, while offering even more breathtaking acceleration, has virtually the same MPG. These cars offer different levels of horsepower, handling, and luxury, but they all share poor fuel economy. For buyers considering the M5, the Audi RS7 delivers 18 MPG combined, a slight advantage but likely not enough to sway a buyer focused on performance. See all Bmw fuel economy data for context.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Engage ECO PRO mode for relaxed cruising, as it remaps the throttle response and shift patterns for better fuel efficiency. This mode won’t change the M5 into a fuel saver, but it can help to get a few extra miles per gallon on longer trips. It’s also good for low-speed city driving.

Use a light foot on the accelerator, especially when accelerating from a standstill. The M5’s engine produces torque at low RPMs, so there’s no need to stomp on the gas pedal to get up to speed. Gentle acceleration will use less gas without losing much performance.

Anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. Maintaining a consistent speed and minimizing abrupt changes in velocity will improve fuel economy and also make for a smoother driving experience. This requires attentiveness to surrounding vehicles and developing a sense of prediction.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels found on the doorjamb sticker. This is an often-overlooked aspect of fuel efficiency but can make a noticeable difference.

Consider the trade-offs of aggressive driving. While the M5 Competition is a performance machine, resist the urge to always drive it hard. Every burst of acceleration and every hard corner uses fuel. Understand M5 MPG across all years to develop an informed baseline.