BMW 320i
27.5 MPG The 2018 BMW 320i is EPA-rated at 27.5 MPG combined (23.5 city / 35 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 545 gallons, $1745 a year in fuel, or $0.116 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2013–2018 run it averages 27.5 MPG, essentially flat across 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.091 | $909 | $1364 | $1818 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.109 | $1091 | $1636 | $2182 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.116 | $1164 | $1745 | $2327 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.127 | $1273 | $1909 | $2545 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.145 | $1455 | $2182 | $2909 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.164 | $1636 | $2455 | $3273 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.182 | $1818 | $2727 | $3636 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 27.5 MPG | 23.5 | 35 | $2800 | 325 | 2 |
| 2017 | 27.5 MPG | 23 | 35 | $2800 | 324 | 2 |
| 2016 | 27.5 MPG | 23 | 35 | $2800 | 324 | 2 |
| 2015 | 27.5 MPG | 23 | 35 | $2800 | 325 | 2 |
| 2014 | 27.5 MPG | 23 | 35 | $2800 | 325 | 2 |
| 2013 | 27.5 MPG | 23 | 35 | $2800 | 325 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the BMW 320i ranks 66 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Pontiac Lemans (27.7), Acura ILX (28), BMW 330i xDrive (28), Ford Fiesta ST FWD (28), Ford Focus (28).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 325 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 320i get?
The 2018 BMW 320i is rated at 27.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 23.5 city and 35 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 27.5 MPG, ranging from 27 to 28 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 320i cost in fuel per year?
At 27.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 545 gallons — roughly $1745 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.116 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2018 model is $2800.
Has the BMW 320i become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 27.5 MPG today against 27.5 in 2013 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the BMW 320i efficient for its class?
It ranks 66 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 0.9 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.