BMW 540i xDrive
26 MPG The 2021 BMW 540i xDrive is EPA-rated at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 577 gallons, $1846 a year in fuel, or $0.123 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2017–2021 run it averages 24.2 MPG, improving by 3 MPG over 5 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 | $0.096 | $962 | $1442 | $1923 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.115 | $1154 | $1731 | $2308 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.123 | $1231 | $1846 | $2462 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.135 | $1346 | $2019 | $2692 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.173 | $1731 | $2596 | $3462 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.192 | $1923 | $2885 | $3846 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 26 MPG | 23 | 31 | $2950 | 337 | 1 |
| 2020 | 25 MPG | 22 | 29 | $3100 | 359 | 1 |
| 2019 | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $3200 | 371 | 1 |
| 2018 | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $3350 | 380 | 1 |
| 2017 | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $3350 | 380 | 1 |
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 540i xDrive ranks 88 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Kia Spectra (26.5), Alfa Romeo Giulia (27), BMW 528i (27), BMW 530i xDrive (27), BMW X2 sDrive28i (27).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 337 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 540i xDrive get?
The 2021 BMW 540i xDrive is rated at 26 MPG combined by the EPA — 23 city and 31 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 24.2 MPG, ranging from 23 to 26 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 540i xDrive cost in fuel per year?
At 26 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 577 gallons — roughly $1846 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.123 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2021 model is $2950.
Has the BMW 540i xDrive become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 23 MPG in 2017 to 26 in 2021 — an improvement of 3 MPG, or 13% across 5 model years.
Is the BMW 540i xDrive efficient for its class?
It ranks 88 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 1.2 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.