16 MPG combined is what you get for experiencing the unhinged performance of the 2020 BMW X4 M Competition. Let’s be clear: nobody buys this vehicle for its fuel efficiency. They buy it for the 503 horsepower, the track-tuned suspension, and the sheer audacity of a coupe-roofed SUV that can embarrass sports cars. The X4 M Competition is a statement, and that statement isn’t about saving money at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the X4 M Competition at 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. The significant difference reflects the realities of how this vehicle is driven. Stop-and-go city driving is its kryptonite, constantly demanding bursts of power from the turbocharged six. On the open road, at a steady cruise, the engine can relax, allowing slightly better efficiency. Few owners likely spend much time dawdling around town; this machine is at its best when unleashed on winding backroads or a racetrack, and the fuel economy reflects that.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,600 for the 2020 BMW X4 M Competition. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year with a 55/45 split between city and highway driving, using the national average fuel price when the estimate was calculated. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate. If you have a heavier foot than the average driver, frequently use premium fuel, or live in an area with higher gas prices, your actual fuel costs will likely be considerably higher. This price also does not include the price for maintenance and upkeep.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers, they’re a starting point, not a guarantee. Real-world MPG in the X4 M Competition is heavily dependent on driving style. Use Launch Control at every stoplight, and you will visit the gas station quite frequently. Drive it like a normal SUV, and those highway numbers might materialize. However, the temptation to tap into the engine’s immense power is ever-present, and resisting that urge is a test of willpower. Expect low to mid-teens in mixed driving; spirited driving will only decrease your MPG. Some owners looking for better fuel economy may instead consider browsing X4 MPG across all years to compare the X4 M.

How it compares

The X4 M Competition exists in a rarefied segment, competing with other high-performance SUVs that similarly disregard fuel efficiency. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe, for example, is similarly rated around 16 MPG combined, though its V8 soundtrack delivers a different character. The Porsche Macan Turbo manages around 19 MPG combined, offering slightly better fuel economy but a different driving experience.

These differences are critical to anyone looking at all BMW fuel economy data as well as other manufacturers. The Audi SQ5, while not in the same performance league, offers a more fuel-efficient alternative at around 21 MPG combined, but at the cost of serious thrills. The bottom line is that the X4 M Competition isn’t trying to win any efficiency contests; it’s a performance machine designed to deliver exhilarating driving experiences, and its fuel economy reflects that.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel economy is not the X4 M Competition’s forte, there are ways to mitigate the damage and stay within reasonable limits. Avoid excessive idling; this engine burns a surprising amount of fuel even when stationary.

Use the “Efficient” driving mode when you’re not trying to set any records. This mode adjusts throttle response and transmission mapping to prioritize fuel conservation over outright performance. Keep in mind that any driving mode won’t dramatically improve the MPG, but can help improve bad habits.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. The correct tire pressure can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid sudden acceleration and braking. Smooth driving not only saves fuel but also improves the overall driving experience. Keep a steady pace and anticipate slowdowns to coast more often.

Service your vehicle as required by the owner’s manual. Keeping the engine properly tuned and all systems operating efficiently is important for optimizing fuel economy. Change the oil on time and attend to the proper tire rotations when scheduled.