The 2022 BMW M4 Competition Coupe’s 3.0L 6-cyl gets 19 MPG combined, which isn’t great. However, people don’t buy an M4 Competition for its fuel economy. They buy it for the explosive power, razor-sharp handling, and adrenaline rush that only a high-performance coupe can provide. The fuel efficiency is simply part of the cost.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the M4 Competition at 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. This difference reflects the car’s characteristics. In stop-and-go traffic, the turbocharged engine uses a lot of fuel, especially if you’re tempted to exploit even a fraction of its 503 horsepower, and you will be. On the open road, however, the engine settles into a more efficient cruise, allowing for slightly better mileage. The eight-speed automatic transmission provides fast shifts when needed and helps keep the engine in its optimal rev range for efficiency when cruising at highway speeds. As a result, achieving the EPA highway figure requires restraint that few M4 Competition owners will consistently show because the potent engine’s allure is strong.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2022 BMW M4 Competition Coupe will be $3,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Premium fuel is required, adding to the expense. While $3,050 might seem like a lot, it’s a conscious trade-off for those who prioritize driving pleasure. It’s the premium one pays for one of the most thrilling driving experiences available.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a baseline, but actual fuel economy will vary depending on driving habits and conditions. If you frequently drive hard, expect to see numbers below the EPA estimates. But if you primarily use the M4 Competition for highway commuting and drive conservatively, you might approach or even slightly exceed the EPA highway figure.

However, the M4 Competition is designed to be driven hard, and most owners will prioritize performance over less gas. Expect the actual MPG to be lower than the official numbers. Explore M4 MPG across all years to see how various model years vary in fuel economy based on user submissions.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance coupes, the M4 Competition’s fuel economy is similar to what you’d expect. The Audi RS5 Coupe, for example, gets 18 MPG combined, while the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe gets 20 MPG combined. The Porsche 911 Carrera S, a direct competitor, gets 21 MPG combined.

While the M4 Competition’s 19 MPG falls short of the 911’s efficiency, the BMW offers a distinct driving experience highlighted by power and styling. These choices matter strongly to performance buyers. If lower fuel costs is important, there are other options available. But for those who want the M4’s unique blend of performance and style, the fuel consumption is a secondary point. Browse all Bmw fuel economy data for further comparisons.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The M4 Competition isn’t designed for efficiency, but there are steps you can take to improve its mileage. Avoid idling, as this consumes fuel without going anywhere. Also, resist the urge to accelerate aggressively; smooth acceleration saves fuel and reduces wear and tear on the drivetrain.

Use the M4 Competition’s driving modes. Select the “Efficient” mode (if equipped) during highway cruising or city driving to reduce throttle response and optimize fuel consumption. This mode may tame the engine, but it can make a difference in fuel economy during less demanding driving.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. It’s a simple step that can make a small but meaningful improvement.

Think about the weight you’re carrying. Extra weight in the car increases the engine’s workload, leading to decreased fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger compartment to lighten the load. This is more about maximizing performance by removing unnecessary weight rather than achieving noticeable fuel efficiency gains.