26 MPG combined for the 2026 BMW M240i Coupe is a pleasant surprise, especially for a driver who understands what this machine offers. This isn’t just a commuter car; it’s a compact, muscular instrument of driving pleasure, powered by BMW’s B58 3.0-liter inline-six. Its mission is to deliver grin-inducing acceleration, precise handling, and an exhaust note that encourages open-road exploration. The M240i buyer is investing in an experience, a visceral connection to the road, and the knowledge of a potent engine under the hood. The fact that this performance doesn’t come with a truly high fuel economy penalty is simply extra, allowing for more road trips and fewer fuel stops. This car is about engagement, and its efficiency, while not the primary reason for purchase, certainly doesn’t detract from its appeal.

City and highway performance

Looking at the numbers, the M240i Coupe achieves 23 MPG in city driving and 32 MPG on the highway. The 23 MPG city figure is respectable for a vehicle of this type, especially one with an automatic transmission and high power output. Stop-and-go traffic challenges any performance engine, but BMW’s engineering, including features like auto start/stop and a well-tuned 8-speed automatic (S8) transmission, helps mitigate fuel consumption. The M240i truly shines on the open road. The 32 MPG highway rating is excellent for a 3.0L turbocharged 6-cylinder engine. This demonstrates the B58’s balance of power and efficiency, allowing for comfortable, high-speed cruising without constant worry about the fuel gauge. The transmission’s ability to smoothly drop into higher gears at cruising speeds, keeping RPMs low, contributes significantly to this commendable highway economy. This means that while the M240i is always ready for quick acceleration, it can also settle into an economical rhythm when the driving demands it.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2026 BMW M240i Coupe at $2,250. This figure provides a clear benchmark for potential owners and is derived from a standardized calculation that assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, split evenly between city and highway conditions, and using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline. For the M240i owner, this $2,250 annual expenditure is generally considered a reasonable cost of ownership for the performance and luxury on offer. It’s not a car bought for its low fuel consumption; it’s a performance coupe with convenience, and the fuel cost is simply another part of ownership. Compared to dedicated sports cars with similar power outputs, the M240i often presents a more economical running cost, making it an attractive option for those who want daily drivability alongside weekend thrills. Prospective buyers can explore M240I MPG across all years to see how this stacks up historically.

Real-world expectations

In the real world, the fuel economy of the 2026 M240i Coupe will fluctuate directly with how the driver pushes the car. Push the car hard, use its turbocharged inline-six, and enjoy the exhaust note, and those factory MPG figures will inevitably dip. This is not a flaw, it’s a characteristic of any performance vehicle. However, when driven with some restraint, especially on longer highway journeys, matching or even exceeding the 32 MPG highway rating is entirely achievable. The key aspect here is that the M240i buyer knows and accepts this trade-off. They choose this car for its dynamic capabilities, often enjoying the very act of spirited driving that consumes more fuel. The M240i is often a daily driver for enthusiasts, who balance their commute needs with weekend canyon carving or track days. Its real-world economy, therefore, is a reflection of its versatility, capable of being reasonably efficient when needed, but always ready to deliver exhilarating performance with the understanding that fuel consumption will rise accordingly. For more insights on BMW’s overall efficiency, check out all Bmw fuel economy data.

How it compares

When stacked against its contemporaries, the 2026 BMW M240i Coupe’s fuel economy holds its own well, often outperforming or matching vehicles with similar performance credentials. Consider the Audi TT RS, with its 2.5L inline-five, which typically manages around 23 MPG combined, lagging behind the M240i’s 26 MPG. The Porsche 718 Cayman S, while a purer sports car, offers a combined 22 MPG from its 2.5L turbocharged flat-four, making the M240i significantly more efficient for daily driving. Even some more direct competitors like the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, with its 2.0L turbo-four, achieves around 25 MPG combined, putting the M240i’s 3.0L six-cylinder in a highly favorable light. This comparison shows the BMW B58 engine, which manages to deliver strong power and torque while maintaining impressive efficiency, especially in highway cruising. It’s a package that doesn’t force a significant compromise on running costs when considering its performance segment.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the M240i encourages spirited driving, adopting a smoother driving style can noticeably improve fuel economy. Gentle acceleration and anticipation of traffic will reduce sudden braking and subsequent re-acceleration, which are significant fuel consumers. Think of it as a dance, not a sprint.

Maintaining consistent speeds on the highway, ideally by using cruise control, allows the M240i’s automatic transmission to settle into its most efficient higher gears. Avoiding frequent speed fluctuations minimizes the work the engine has to do, directly translating to better MPG.

Regular maintenance, especially ensuring proper tire inflation and timely air filter replacement, plays a large role in fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, and a clogged air filter can reduce engine breathing efficiency, both leading to increased fuel consumption.

Minimizing unnecessary weight in the trunk or cabin can also contribute to marginal fuel savings. While the M240i is not a large car, every extra pound requires more energy to move, especially during acceleration and uphill climbs.

Engaging the Eco Pro driving mode, when appropriate, can subtly alter the throttle response, transmission shift points, and even climate control settings to prioritize fuel economy. While it tempers the car’s dynamic edge, it’s a useful setting for extended highway cruising or dense urban traffic.