BMW 535i xDrive
23 MPG The 2016 BMW 535i xDrive is EPA-rated at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 652 gallons, $2087 a year in fuel, or $0.139 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2009–2016 run it averages 22.4 MPG, improving by 3.5 MPG over 8 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 | $0.109 | $1087 | $1630 | $2174 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.130 | $1304 | $1957 | $2609 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.139 | $1391 | $2087 | $2783 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.152 | $1522 | $2283 | $3043 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.174 | $1739 | $2609 | $3478 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.196 | $1957 | $2935 | $3913 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.217 | $2174 | $3261 | $4348 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $3350 | 384 | 1 |
| 2015 | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $3350 | 385 | 1 |
| 2014 | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $3350 | 384 | 1 |
| 2013 | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $3200 | 371 | 1 |
| 2012 | 24 MPG | 21 | 30 | $3200 | 370 | 1 |
| 2011 | 23 MPG | 20 | 28 | $3350 | 386 | 1 |
| 2010 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 25 | $3950 | 456 | 2 |
| 2009 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 25 | $3950 | 456 | 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 535i xDrive ranks 124 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Hyundai Elantra N (23.5), BMW 840i Gran Coupe (24), BMW 840i xDrive Gran Coupe (24), Buick LaCrosse (24), Cadillac CT5 (24).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 384 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 535i xDrive get?
The 2016 BMW 535i xDrive is rated at 23 MPG combined by the EPA — 20 city and 29 highway. Across all 8 model years in the database it averages 22.4 MPG, ranging from 19 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 535i xDrive cost in fuel per year?
At 23 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 652 gallons — roughly $2087 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.139 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2016 model is $3350.
Has the BMW 535i xDrive become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 19.5 MPG in 2009 to 23 in 2016 — an improvement of 3.5 MPG, or 18% across 8 model years.
Is the BMW 535i xDrive efficient for its class?
It ranks 124 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 4.2 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.