16 MPG combined is the reality for the 2021 BMW X3 M Competition. This isn’t a crossover accidentally given a potent engine; it’s a performance machine in an SUV body. Clearly, buyers want the X3 M Competition for its acceleration, track handling, and M car personality. The gas mileage is simply part of the deal.

City and highway performance

The X3 M Competition’s EPA fuel economy breaks down to 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows urban driving, where the strong 3.0L inline-six turbo engine is always working. The highway number is a little better, but still not great. Even with its automatic (S8) transmission, highway speeds require more fuel. It’s important to know these numbers are from lab tests. Real-world driving changes these estimates.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 BMW X3 M Competition at $3,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average fuel price. This is an estimate. If you live where fuel is more expensive or drive harder (or more miles), your costs will be higher. If you drive less or fuel prices go down, your annual cost will be lower. The $3,600 figure is a baseline for understanding the cost of owning this SUV.

Real-world expectations

Ignore the EPA estimates once you start the car. The X3 M Competition makes you want to drive fast. Its throttle, acceleration, and exhaust sound make you want to push it, which hurts fuel economy. Expect numbers closer to the city estimate, or even lower, if you often use the M driving modes. On long trips, you might get close to the highway estimate, but it takes consistent speeds. If you are concerned about running costs, you should review all BMW fuel economy data.

How it compares

The X3 M Competition isn’t focused on fuel efficiency, but on performance in the compact luxury SUV area. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe, with its V8 engine, gets an EPA-estimated 16 MPG combined. The Porsche Macan Turbo gets around 19 MPG combined. Even the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio gets around 19 MPG combined. The Acura MDX Type S offers a better 19 MPG combined, but has less performance. The X3 M’s fuel economy is at the low end, showing that buyers want performance over efficiency. Comparing X3 MPG across all years shows that the M version trades fuel economy for performance.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Don’t always use the engine’s power. Frequent fast acceleration will hurt fuel economy. Use the ECO PRO driving mode, if the car has it, for normal driving. This mode changes the throttle and transmission for better fuel economy, saving a little gas.

Make sure your tires are inflated. Low tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure and keep it at the right levels from the owner’s manual or the door sticker.

Avoid idling. Modern engines are efficient, and idling wastes fuel. If you will be stopped for a while, turn off the engine. Restarting uses less fuel than idling.

Remove weight. Carrying extra weight in the car lowers fuel economy. Remove things from the trunk or seats that you don’t need. A lighter car uses less energy to move.

Plan your routes. Avoid traffic when you can. Stop-and-go traffic lowers fuel economy. Take routes with even speeds and fewer stops.