The 2024 BMW X7 M60i xDrive, with its 4.4L 8-cyl engine, gets 18 MPG combined. To be clear: people don’t buy this X7 trim for its fuel efficiency. They buy it for its potent 4.4L twin-turbo V8, quick acceleration, and the status of owning a flagship BMW SUV. The fuel economy is simply what you pay get this performance and luxury.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the X7 M60i at 16 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the demands on a large, strong engine moving a vehicle weighing over 5,600 pounds. The city figure highlights the penalty for stop-and-go driving, where the engine works constantly to overcome inertia and the automatic transmission shifts often. The highway number is better, but still far from the more fuel-efficient SUVs on the market.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 BMW X7 M60i at $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. It’s a large expense that potential buyers should consider in their overall cost of ownership. This suggests that over five years, fuel costs could be close to $16,000. For a broader view of X7 MPG across all years, resources are available.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standard, real-world fuel economy often differs. Driving aggressively, frequent short trips, and long idling times will lower your average MPG. On the other hand, consistent highway driving at moderate speeds might get slightly better results than the EPA estimate. But keep your expectations in check. The X7 M60i is for performance, and its engine is designed for power and responsiveness, not maximizing fuel efficiency. Few owners will consistently reach the EPA’s 21 MPG highway, especially because it’s tempting to use the engine’s power on the road.

How it compares

Compared to rivals, the X7 M60i’s fuel economy is predictably below average. The Mercedes-Benz GLS 580, with a similar 4.0L V8, gets a slightly better 16 MPG city and 20 MPG highway, but still 18 MPG combined. The Audi SQ7, with a 4.0L V8, gets 15 city and 21 highway, about the same as the X7 M60i. There is a hybrid option in the Lexus LX 600h, which gets numbers in the mid-20s combined, but sacrifices performance. These comparisons matter less to the X7 M60i buyer than to someone focused on fuel costs. However, those willing to accept less performance might explore all Bmw fuel economy data and models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the X7 M60i isn’t designed for hypermiling, certain driving techniques can help minimize fuel use. Avoid accelerating and braking hard, as these actions make the engine work harder and use more fuel. Instead, try for smooth inputs that let the engine operate more efficiently.

Turn on the X7’s “Eco Pro” driving mode, which changes vehicle settings for better fuel economy. This mode adjusts throttle response, transmission shift points, and climate control settings to reduce energy use. While it may slightly reduce performance, it can improve MPG during everyday driving.

Regularly check your tires to ensure they have the right pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing fuel efficiency. Check your owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb for the recommended tire pressure.

Minimize extra weight in the vehicle. The more weight the engine carries, the more fuel it uses. Remove anything from the trunk or cargo area that isn’t needed. Every extra pound reduces fuel efficiency, especially in city driving.

Plan your routes to avoid traffic. Stop-and-go traffic can significantly reduce fuel economy. By using navigation apps to avoid congested routes, you can maintain a more consistent speed and improve your MPG.