The 2024 BMW M850i xDrive Coupe gets 19 MPG combined. This probably won’t deter those already interested in the car. This is a grand tourer built for an engaging driving experience, not fuel efficiency like a hybrid. It’s designed to easily cover highway miles with luxury and excitement, not to win fuel-saving contests. The M850i attracts drivers who value performance, style, and exclusivity and are willing to pay more at the dealership and gas station.

City and highway performance

The M850i’s fuel consumption is reasonable for city and highway driving. The EPA estimates 17 MPG in the city, which is expected given the powerful 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine’s size and the need for frequent acceleration. On the open road, the M850i achieves a more respectable 24 MPG on the highway. This reflects the engine’s ability to cruise comfortably at higher speeds, with the 8-speed automatic transmission in a relaxed gear. While the highway fuel economy is decent, remember that the urge to use the engine’s power will lower that number. With a car like this, powerful driving is readily available.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA projects an annual fuel bill of about $3,050. This assumes 15,000 miles driven annually and uses national average fuel prices. This is only an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will depend on your driving habits, the type of driving (more city driving will increase costs), and changing fuel prices.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard, real-world fuel economy can vary. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and factors like tire pressure and temperature can hurt efficiency. Owners who enjoy the M850i’s performance and spend lots of time in cities can expect lower numbers than the EPA estimates. However, drivers who focus on highway cruising and drive more calmly may see fuel economy close to, or even above, the EPA’s highway rating.

How it compares

The M850i’s fuel economy is similar to its high-performance luxury competitors, but it is not fuel-efficient. The Porsche 911 Carrera S, a sports car, gets a respectable 21 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG SL55, a direct competitor in the grand touring segment, gets about 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. The Lexus LC 500, another coupe, is good for 19 MPG combined. Buyers considering these vehicles likely won’t make fuel economy the main consideration. The M850I MPG across all years is consistent, showing BMW’s emphasis on performance over pure efficiency in this model. Browsing all Bmw fuel economy data confirms the M850i prioritizes performance over optimizing MPG.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The M850i isn’t designed for maximum fuel efficiency, but you can minimize fuel consumption without giving up too much of the driving experience.

Drive smoothly. Smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic flow help reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. Avoid aggressive starts and stops, and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. Be gentle with the gas pedal.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate it to the recommended level, found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Reduce weight. Carrying extra cargo in the trunk or back seat adds weight, which decreases fuel efficiency. Remove any items that you don’t need regularly. Just because the M850i has storage doesn’t mean that storage should be filled.

When possible, select Comfort mode. The M850i has driving modes that adjust the engine, transmission, and suspension. The Comfort mode favors fuel efficiency and relaxed cruising, while Sport and Sport+ modes prioritize performance.