19 MPG combined. That’s what you can expect from the 2024 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe. No one shopping for this car is likely obsessed with saving fuel. It’s a four-door coupe designed for grand touring, powered by a strong 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8. Buyers want a combination of luxury, striking looks, and easy power delivered with BMW’s driving feel. Fuel economy is a lower priority, a trade-off for the exciting performance the M850i offers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 17 MPG in the city, and that number will likely drop if you’re often in stop-and-go traffic and enjoy the V8’s power. The highway estimate is better, at 24 MPG. This lines up with the M850i’s strength as a car that can eat up miles. On long, open roads, the smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and plenty of torque allow you to cruise comfortably, which helps with highway fuel economy. Keep in mind that these numbers assume ideal conditions, aggressive driving will change things.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says you can expect to spend around $3,050 per year on fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline, which this car requires. The M850i is a thirsty car. Consider this fuel cost as part of the overall cost of owning the M850i. Include insurance, maintenance, and the initial price.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but your actual MPG will vary. Driving style is a big factor. Frequent hard acceleration, fast cornering, and long idling will all hurt fuel efficiency. On the other hand, gentle acceleration, anticipating when you will need to brake, and using cruise control on the highway can push your numbers closer to the EPA estimates. Weather, tire pressure, and fuel grade can also affect mileage. Some owners might get slightly better numbers than advertised, so it’s best to view the EPA estimates as close to the best case scenario.

How it compares

The M850i xDrive Gran Coupe is in a category with other performance luxury cars. The Porsche Panamera 4S, with its 2.9L V6, gets a combined 21 MPG, which is a bit better. The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, which has a 3.0L inline-6 with mild hybrid assist, gets around 23 MPG combined. The Audi S7, with a 2.9L TFSI V6, also gets around 19 MPG combined. What sets them apart lies in how they drive. The M850i buyer wants the raw power and V8 sound, even if it means using more fuel. All Bmw fuel economy data can be found on our site. For detailed information, see the M850I MPG across all years. These comparisons matter because car shoppers think about performance, luxury, and running costs and are probably willing to pay more for fuel if they enjoy the drive.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Make use of the M850i’s driving modes. “Eco Pro” mode changes the engine settings and transmission behavior to prioritize fuel efficiency. While it might make the throttle less responsive, it can noticeably improve MPG during everyday driving without losing comfort. Using this mode when you can is an easy way to save fuel.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressures often and make sure they’re at the recommended levels, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Keep unnecessary weight out of the car. Extra cargo puts more strain on the engine, which reduces fuel efficiency. Take out anything from the trunk or rear seats that you don’t need. A lighter car is more efficient.

Avoid aggressive driving. Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and high speeds all use much more fuel. Drive more smoothly and try to anticipate traffic. Gentle acceleration and gradual braking will give you better fuel economy and a more relaxing drive.

Think about the route you take. Choose routes with fewer traffic lights and stop signs. Keeping a consistent speed is more fuel-efficient than stopping and starting. Planning your routes can keep you out of traffic and improve your MPG.