17 MPG combined is the price of admission to the world of the 2022 BMW M5 Competition Sedan. It’s the tax you pay for access to 617 horsepower, a chassis honed on the Nürburgring, and the ability to obliterate the quarter-mile in the low 11-second range. Nobody buys an M5 Competition for its fuel efficiency; they buy it for the adrenaline, the prestige, and the sheer thrill of piloting a four-door rocket ship. The relatively poor fuel economy is simply an accepted consequence.

City and highway performance

The raw numbers break down to 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The discrepancy shows the M5 Competition’s nature. City driving invariably involves stop-and-go traffic, opportunities to exploit the engine’s instant torque, and the inevitable heavy-footed acceleration away from traffic lights. In this environment, the M5’s prodigious power becomes its own worst enemy regarding fuel economy. Out on the open road, however, at a steady cruise, the engine settles down and efficiency improves, although the temptation to unleash those 617 horses is ever-present.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 BMW M5 Competition Sedan at $3,400. This figure is calculated assuming 15,000 miles of driving per year, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Of course, your actual fuel cost will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you purchase, and local fuel prices. It’s a significant sum, and a clear indicator that this is not a vehicle for the budget-conscious.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world M5 Competition owners often see figures slightly below those projections, particularly if they live in urban areas or frequently drive spiritedly. Expect approximately 13-15 MPG in city driving and potentially approaching the EPA highway number if you resist the urge to constantly exploit the car’s performance. A heavy foot will hurt fuel economy, while a conscious effort to drive conservatively can yield marginal improvements, but it defeats the object of owning this machine. Check out M5 MPG across all years.

How it compares

Compared to its direct competitors, the M5 Competition’s fuel economy is typical, but not exceptional, for its class. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Sedan, with its similarly potent V8, achieves similar figures of 16 MPG combined. The Audi RS7, while offering hatchback practicality, delivers roughly the same fuel economy. Even the Porsche Panamera Turbo S, arguably a more luxurious and refined alternative, is similar. Those considering alternatives within the BMW range might look at all Bmw fuel economy data. The M550i xDrive offers a blend of performance and efficiency, sacrificing some of the outright aggression of the M5 Competition in exchange for slightly improved MPG.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the M5 Competition’s driving modes intelligently. The “Comfort” setting softens throttle response and dampens the exhaust note, encouraging a more relaxed driving style that can contribute to slightly improved fuel economy. Conversely, “Sport” and “Sport+” modes sharpen everything, turning the M5 into an animal that guzzles fuel enthusiastically.

Avoid short trips. The M5 Competition, like all high-performance engines, operates least efficiently when cold. Short journeys prevent the engine from reaching its optimal operating temperature, resulting in increased fuel consumption. Combine errands whenever possible to minimize cold starts.

Lighten the load. Every extra pound in the vehicle contributes to increased fuel consumption. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger compartment to reduce the overall weight the engine needs to haul around. Even minor weight reductions can have a cumulative effect over time.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Resist the urge to launch it at every opportunity. While the M5 Competition is undeniably fun to drive aggressively, constant hard acceleration and braking will hurt your fuel economy. Save the full-throttle antics for those moments when they’re truly appreciated, and adopt a smoother, more progressive driving style for everyday situations.