BMW 528i
27 MPG The 2016 BMW 528i is EPA-rated at 27 MPG combined (23 city / 34 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 556 gallons, $1778 a year in fuel, or $0.119 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1997–2016 run it averages 23.1 MPG, improving by 7 MPG over 13 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 | $0.093 | $926 | $1389 | $1852 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.111 | $1111 | $1667 | $2222 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.119 | $1185 | $1778 | $2370 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.130 | $1296 | $1944 | $2593 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.148 | $1481 | $2222 | $2963 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.185 | $1852 | $2778 | $3704 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 27 MPG | 23 | 34 | $2850 | 338 | 1 |
| 2015 | 26 MPG | 23 | 33 | $2950 | 338 | 1 |
| 2014 | 26 MPG | 23 | 33 | $2950 | 335 | 1 |
| 2013 | 27 MPG | 24 | 33 | $2850 | 327 | 1 |
| 2012 | 27 MPG | 23 | 34 | $2850 | 329 | 1 |
| 2011 | 25 MPG | 21 | 31 | $3100 | 355 | 1 |
| 2010 | 21.5 MPG | 18 | 27.5 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
| 2009 | 21 MPG | 18 | 27.5 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 2008 | 21 MPG | 18 | 27.5 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 2000 | 19.7 MPG | 16.7 | 24.7 | $3917 | 453 | 3 |
| 1999 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 1998 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 25 | $3200 | 456 | 2 |
| 1997 | 20 MPG | 17.5 | 25 | $3850 | 445 | 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 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the BMW 528i ranks 78 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Kia Optima (27.3), Mazda 6 (27.5), MINI Cooper Clubman (27.5), Acura RLX Hybrid (28), Audi A6 (28).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 338 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 528i get?
The 2016 BMW 528i is rated at 27 MPG combined by the EPA — 23 city and 34 highway. Across all 13 model years in the database it averages 23.1 MPG, ranging from 19 to 27 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 528i cost in fuel per year?
At 27 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 556 gallons — roughly $1778 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.119 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2016 model is $2850.
Has the BMW 528i become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20 MPG in 1997 to 27 in 2016 — an improvement of 7 MPG, or 35% across 13 model years.
Is the BMW 528i efficient for its class?
It ranks 78 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 0.2 worse 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.