17 MPG combined. If you’re considering the 2023 BMW X3 M Competition mainly for gas mileage, you’re missing the point. This isn’t a car you buy to save money on gas like a Prius. It’s for drivers who want fast acceleration, track-ready handling, and M-division style, and who accept the cost of fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA’s city and highway ratings for the X3 M Competition give a complete picture of what to expect. The 15 MPG city estimate reflects the demands on a high-performance engine in stop-and-go traffic. The turbocharged 3.0L inline-six is ready to deliver its 503 horsepower, even if you’re trying to merge. On the open road, the 20 MPG highway estimate is a bit better, reflecting the SUV’s aerodynamics and power. The short gearing in the 8-speed automatic also contributes to higher RPMs, even at cruising speeds.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2023 BMW X3 M Competition is $3,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. That’s a large expense, so consider commute length and driving style if you care about fuel costs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy often changes. Driving hard, accelerating fast a lot, and spending time in Sport or Sport+ modes will lower your MPG below the official numbers. If you drive more gently, watch traffic, and accelerate smoothly, you might see numbers closer to the EPA estimates. This is a fast car, and the temptation to drive it fast will affect your gas mileage. See X3 MPG across all years to get a sense of variation over time.

How it compares

The X3 M Competition’s fuel economy is similar to competitors. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe, with its hand-built 4.0L V8, has similar performance, but usually gets slightly lower MPG, around 15 MPG combined. The Porsche Macan GTS is also in the same range, around 17 MPG combined. Even the less powerful Audi SQ5 still gets only 19 combined MPG. These SUVs are made for a specific purpose. Efficiency matters, but it’s not the main reason people buy them. They want performance and driving excitement, and accept the fuel costs.

You can see all BMW fuel economy data to get a wider view of the brand’s range.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the X3 M Competition isn’t made to save fuel, you can still save gas by watching traffic and avoiding hard acceleration. The less you need sudden power, the more gas you save.

The X3 M Competition’s driving modes can help. Comfort mode reduces throttle response and changes shift points for better efficiency. This reduces the car’s sporty feel, but it can improve fuel economy, especially in the city.

Keep your tires inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and reduces gas mileage. Check tire pressures often and keep them at the right levels.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo increases the load, which affects fuel economy. Remove extra items from the trunk or rear seats to reduce weight.

Avoid idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines warm up quickly, so idling wastes fuel.