17 MPG combined. If you’re considering a 2021 BMW M5 Competition, that number is likely near the bottom of your priority list. This isn’t a hybrid designed for hypermiling; it’s a near-supercar sedan cloaked in relatively unassuming Bavarian sheetmetal. M5 Competition owners are performance enthusiasts who value exhilarating acceleration, razor-sharp handling, and the prestige of owning a high-performance BMW. They understand the trade-off, and they accept it willingly.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2021 M5 Competition are 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures are a direct result of the car’s potent 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which produces a staggering 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission (S8 in BMW parlance) and all-wheel drive, this powerplant delivers breathtaking acceleration. Fuel economy suffers when you’re constantly tapping into that power reserve.

The city MPG reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the engine is frequently accelerating from a standstill. The highway MPG improves slightly due to more consistent speeds and less frequent acceleration, but even then, the M5 Competition is still capable of consuming fuel at a rapid rate.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2021 BMW M5 Competition is $3,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is only an estimate. Your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. Given the M5 Competition’s high-performance nature and the likelihood that owners will indulge in spirited driving, exceeding the $3,400 estimate is probable.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized measure of fuel economy, real-world results can vary significantly. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and heavy traffic can all negatively impact fuel economy. Owners who primarily drive their M5 Competition in the city should expect to see numbers closer to or even below the EPA’s 15 MPG estimate.

On the highway, achieving the 21 MPG rating is more attainable, but only if you resist the temptation to exploit the car’s prodigious power. Consult owner forums and user-submitted data sites for a broader range of reported numbers, keeping in mind that individual driving styles exert a massive influence.

How it compares

The M5 Competition’s fuel economy positions it within a certain range of its high-performance sedan rivals. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Sedan, with its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, posts similar figures, around 16 MPG combined. The Porsche Panamera Turbo, despite offering different powertrain configurations including hybrids, generally delivers fuel economy in the same ballpark when equipped with its non-hybrid V8. Audi’s RS7, with its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, mirrors this trend as well.

Buyers cross-shopping these vehicles understand the tradeoff: extreme performance dictates a degree of fuel inefficiency. If greater efficiency is important, shoppers might consider the base M550i xDrive, achieving approximately 25 MPG combined, or perhaps looking at all Bmw fuel economy data to compare models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel economy may not be a primary concern for M5 Competition owners, there are still some steps you can take to improve it. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The M5’s responsiveness is addictive, but modulating the throttle smoothly will help minimize fuel consumption. Anticipate traffic flow and coast whenever possible to reduce the need for sudden braking.

Use the M5 Competition’s various driving modes. Comfort mode, for example, will soften throttle response and prioritize fuel efficiency over outright performance. Sport and Sport+ modes are tempting, but reserve them for situations where you can truly appreciate the car’s capabilities, such as track days or open roads. Regular daily commuting might not be the best use for modes that actively diminish fuel economy.

Ensure your M5 Competition is properly maintained. Regular oil changes, properly inflated tires, and a clean air filter can all contribute to improved fuel efficiency. A poorly maintained engine will work harder and consume more fuel.

Verify that the tire pressure matches what’s listed on the door jamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption.

Reduce unnecessary weight by removing any unnecessary items from your trunk or rear seats. The less weight the engine has to haul, the less fuel it will consume. Of course, this might be a marginal gain, but every little bit helps. Considering the M5’s sporting intent, any weight reduction contributes positively to the overall dynamic feel.

Avoid idling for extended periods. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles, including the M5 Competition, are designed to restart quickly and efficiently. Unnecessary idling wastes fuel and increases emissions. Keep in mind the M5 MPG across all years when thinking about fuel-saving strategies.