20 MPG combined might not be the main concern for buyers of the 2022 BMW M550i xDrive Sedan with its 4.4L 8-cyl engine. This car isn’t trying to be a fuel sipper; it’s built for speed and comfort. The people who buy this car care more about performance, technology, and status than how often they have to stop for gas. They want a luxury sedan that’s equally good on the highway and back roads, and they’re okay with paying more at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the M550i xDrive gets 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. These numbers depend on how hard the 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 engine is working. City driving, with its constant stopping and starting, usually leads to lower fuel economy. The engine is always working to get the car moving, and the automatic transmission shifts more often. On the highway, especially at a consistent speed, the engine can run more efficiently. Technologies like direct injection and variable valve timing help optimize fuel burn, but there are limits to what you can do with such a powerful engine.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2022 BMW M550i xDrive is $2,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles a year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and assumes average national fuel prices for premium gasoline (which this car requires). Keep in mind that this is just an estimate; individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and weather can change the actual cost. But for M550i drivers, this $2,900 is part of owning a high-performance luxury sedan.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard for fuel economy, but real-world MPG can vary. M550i drivers who like to accelerate quickly and often drive in Sport or Sport+ modes will probably see numbers closer to the city rating, no matter where they’re driving. On the other hand, drivers who cruise steadily on the highway might see slightly better than 25 MPG. Don’t expect much better fuel economy than the EPA suggests. The M550i is a performance car, so it’s designed to deliver power first rather than save gas. Explore M550I MPG across all years.

How it compares

The M550i is in a class with other luxury sedans that focus on performance. Its fuel economy is normal for this type of car. The Mercedes-Benz E53 AMG, for example, gets about 21 MPG combined from its hybridized inline-6 engine. The Audi S6, with its turbocharged V6, also gets around 21 MPG combined. The Porsche Panamera 4S, another luxury and performance car, gets about 20 MPG combined with its twin-turbo V6. These numbers show that the M550i’s fuel consumption is similar to other cars in its class. An E350 offers much better fuel economy for less money, but people who buy those cars aren’t usually considering an M550i. All Bmw fuel economy data is available online for comparison.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Most M550i owners probably aren’t too worried about fuel economy, but there are ways to improve it without losing the fun of driving. Using the “Comfort” or “Eco Pro” driving modes can reduce how much gas you use, since they change the throttle and transmission to focus on efficiency instead of speed. These modes are good for daily driving and long highway trips where you want to go further on a tank of gas.

Regular maintenance, like oil changes and air filter replacements, is important for keeping the engine running well and saving gas. A clean air filter makes sure the engine gets enough air, and new oil reduces friction. These simple things can make a small difference in fuel consumption over time.

Try not to accelerate or brake hard. The M550i’s powerful engine can use a lot of fuel when you accelerate quickly. Driving more smoothly can reduce fuel waste and improve efficiency. Watch the traffic and maintain a steady speed to improve fuel economy.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels on the driver’s side doorjamb. The performance tires on an M550i need to be checked often.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight in the car. Extra weight adds to the load on the engine, which affects fuel efficiency. Remove anything you don’t need from the trunk and passenger area to reduce weight. This isn’t as important as driving style or maintenance, but it can help save a little fuel.