13 MPG combined makes the 2026 BMW M5 Touring a thirsty machine, a number that tells you what its mission is: unadulterated, intoxicating performance in a family-friendly wagon wrapper. This isn’t a vehicle for those concerned about fuel. It’s for the enthusiast who demands supercar-baiting speed, the visceral roar of a bi-turbo V8, and the practicality of a long roof, all without compromise. The M5 Touring exists for those who understand that such engineering excellence, wrapped in luxurious comfort and groundbreaking technology, comes with a corresponding operational cost. It’s a statement, a lifestyle choice, not an economy car. Those considering the M5 Touring aren’t scrutinizing its fuel efficiency for savings; they’re assessing it as another aspect of the cost of admission to one of the most exclusive and capable performance vehicles on the planet.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the M5 Touring at 11 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. These figures are not surprising for a vehicle boasting a 4.4L bi-turbo V8, automatic (S8) transmission, and all-wheel drive, especially one engineered to deliver blistering acceleration and track-ready dynamics. The city figure reflects the engine’s considerable displacement and twin-turbochargers constantly working to spool up from a stop, often operating outside its most efficient RPM range in stop-and-go traffic. Extended idling, rapid acceleration, and frequent braking inherent to urban driving cycles will drain the tank quickly. The highway rating of 17 MPG, while still low by most standards, reveals a different character. When cruising at a steady state on the open road, the engine can settle into its taller gears, allowing its formidable torque to maintain speed with less effort. This improved efficiency, however relative, speaks to the immense scalability of the S68 V8, capable of both brutal power delivery and relatively relaxed touring when not pushed. For more on BMW’s efficiency across their lineup, explore all Bmw fuel economy data.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $4,450 for the 2026 BMW M5 Touring. This figure is based on an assumption of driving 15,000 miles per year, split evenly between city and highway conditions (45% highway, 55% city), and use national average fuel prices for premium gasoline. For most owners, this estimation serves as a clear indicator of the financial commitment required beyond the purchase price. Owners of the M5 Touring are aware that performance vehicles, particularly those with a large-displacement, high-output V8, demand significant ongoing investment. This cost isn’t viewed as an impediment, but rather as a predictable operational expense, much like premium tire replacements or specialized maintenance. It’s part of the ownership experience for a specialized machine designed to deliver maximum driving pleasure.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy for the 2026 BMW M5 Touring will vary dramatically based on the driver’s throttle discipline and typical driving conditions. While the EPA figures provide a baseline, few M5 Touring owners will consistently achieve them, especially the highway number. This vehicle entices its driver to explore the upper echelons of its performance envelope, and doing so has a direct, negative impact on fuel efficiency. Spirited driving, characterized by aggressive acceleration, high-speed cornering, and frequent use of sport modes, can easily drop combined MPG into the single digits. Conversely, a disciplined and conservative driver, meticulously adhering to speed limits and employing gentle throttle inputs, might occasionally see numbers closer to the EPA’s highway estimate. However, such a driving style fundamentally misses the point of M ownership. The M5 Touring is a beast meant to be uncaged, and its fuel consumption reflects that inherent demand for performance. For a M5 MPG across all years.

How it compares

Comparing the M5 Touring’s 13 MPG combined to its direct competitors reveals a consistent trend for this niche. The Audi RS 6 Avant, a perennial rival, typically posts combined figures in the 17-18 MPG range (e.g., 2023 RS 6 Avant: 17 MPG combined, 15 city/22 highway from its 4.0L twin-turbo V8). The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon (now discontinued in wagon form in the US, but a historical competitor), with a similar 4.0L twin-turbo V8, also generally achieved around 18 MPG combined (16 city/23 highway). Even the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, while gaining some efficiency from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, still typically registers around 20 MPGe combined with its V8 running, and significantly less on gasoline alone without battery assist. The M5 Touring, therefore, sits at the more extreme end of the efficiency spectrum within this already inefficient class. Its slightly lower figures reinforce its no-holds-barred performance philosophy, indicating a setup optimized unequivocally for raw power and dynamic response over fractional gains in fuel economy. Buyers in this segment are not cross-shopping these vehicles against hybrid SUVs; they are comparing them against other outrageously powerful, luxurious wagons or SUVs, and acknowledging that fuel economy is a secondary concern to their primary mission of speed and prestige.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While maximizing fuel economy in the M5 Touring may feel counterintuitive to its character, judicious driving can mitigate the drain on its 21.1-gallon tank. Use the car’s ‘Efficient’ drive modes, which dull throttle response and optimize shift points, can prevent unnecessary fuel consumption during mundane commutes. These modes are designed to keep engine RPMs lower and reduce the aggressive boost delivery inherent to the S68 engine.

Maintaining a smooth and consistent driving style is crucial. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, which are significant fuel guzzlers. Gentle inputs on the accelerator and anticipating traffic flow will allow the S8 automatic transmission to operate in its higher gears more often, where the V8 is less stressed and more efficient.

Regular maintenance, adhering to BMW’s recommended service intervals for oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plugs, ensures the engine operates at its peak efficiency. A well-tuned engine performs optimally and wastes less fuel, especially with a high-performance, twin-turbo setup like the M5’s.

Proper tire pressure is often overlooked but plays a significant role in fuel economy. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check tire pressures regularly, especially given the M5 Touring’s specific performance tires, and ensure they are at the manufacturer’s recommended levels.

Consider the total weight carried in the vehicle. While a wagon implies utility, removing unnecessary heavy items from the trunk or cargo area can provide a marginal improvement in efficiency. Every extra pound the 4.4L V8 has to propel demands more fuel.