15 MPG combined is the reality of owning a 2020 BMW X5 M Competition. This isn’t a Prius competitor masquerading as an SUV. It’s a fire-breathing performance machine draped in a luxurious, family-friendly wrapper. Owners of this vehicle aren’t prioritizing fuel efficiency, they’re buying a statement, a ferocious expression of capability, and a supremely comfortable daily driver that just happens to drink premium fuel like it’s going out of style.

City and highway performance

Earning 13 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway, the X5 M Competition’s fuel economy reflects its uncompromising nature. The city figure underscores the penalty for stop-and-go driving with a twin-turbo V8 eager to unleash over 600 horsepower. The highway number, while better, still lags behind many competitors. This is primarily because the engine is always ready with enormous reserves of power, needing only a light tap of the accelerator to achieve serious speed. It’s always tempting to use it, and that temptation takes its toll on fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 BMW X5 M Competition at $3,850. This assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, split between city and highway conditions, and using the national average fuel price for premium unleaded gasoline. Consider this a baseline. Aggressive driving and higher-than-average mileage will significantly increase this figure. It’s a hefty sum, but a cost most X5 M Competition buyers have already mentally accounted for. They’re paying for performance and exclusivity, and the fuel bill is simply part of the ownership experience.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing protocol to ensure fair comparisons, real-world MPG often deviates from the official numbers. Expect the already-low ratings to potentially drop even further if you frequently engage in enthusiastic driving, use the vehicle’s launch control, or spend significant time in heavy traffic. Conversely, careful drivers on long highway journeys might approach, but rarely exceed, the 18 MPG highway rating. Owners will likely see an average closer to 14 MPG in mixed driving.

How it compares

Compared to other performance SUVs, the X5 M Competition’s fuel economy paints a clear picture. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, another high-performance competitor, achieves roughly similar figures, hovering around 15 MPG combined. A Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, while offering a plug-in hybrid system for short electric-only bursts, still achieves only around 17 MPG combined when factoring in gasoline usage. Looking at other, less performance-focused SUVs, a standard BMW X5 with the inline six-cylinder engine can achieve upwards of 23 MPG combined. This comparison highlights the compromises inherent in choosing maximum power and performance. For buyers looking for better fuel economy from their BMW SUV, check out X5 MPG across all years. Even within the BMW lineup, the X5 M Competition sacrifices efficiency for its exceptional capabilities. If you’re curious about all Bmw fuel economy data, there are many other high-performing but less fuel-thirsty Bmw models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While squeezing every last drop of fuel out of a 600+ horsepower SUV might seem futile, there are still a few strategies that can help improve your MPG, or at least minimize the damage. First, avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The X5 M Competition rewards smooth, deliberate inputs. Rapid acceleration burns significantly more fuel than gradually building speed. Use “comfort” drive setting when possible. It will affect handling and some other aspects, but it will affect MPG too.

Monitor your tire pressures regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Follow the recommended tire pressure specifications typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize idling. Modern engines, particularly those with turbochargers, don’t require extended warm-up periods. Excessive idling wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute, switch off the engine. The automatic stop-start system can help to mitigate this, but it’s not always the most smooth experience with this particular powertrain.

Service the car rigorously according to BMW’s recommendations. A properly maintained engine is a more efficient engine. Ensure that spark plugs, air filters, and oil are replaced at the specified intervals. Clogged air filters and old spark plugs can reduce performance and fuel economy.