BMW 740i
25 MPG The 2021 BMW 740i is EPA-rated at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 600 gallons, $1920 a year in fuel, or $0.128 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1993–2021 run it averages 20.8 MPG, improving by 9 MPG over 17 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 | $0.100 | $1000 | $1500 | $2000 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.120 | $1200 | $1800 | $2400 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.128 | $1280 | $1920 | $2560 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.140 | $1400 | $2100 | $2800 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.180 | $1800 | $2700 | $3600 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 25 MPG | 22 | 29 | $3100 | 360 | 1 |
| 2020 | 24 MPG | 22 | 29 | $3200 | 361 | 1 |
| 2019 | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $3200 | 371 | 1 |
| 2018 | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $3200 | 372 | 1 |
| 2017 | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $3200 | 372 | 1 |
| 2016 | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $3200 | 374 | 1 |
| 2015 | 22 MPG | 19 | 28 | $3500 | 396 | 1 |
| 2014 | 22 MPG | 19 | 28 | $3500 | 398 | 1 |
| 2013 | 22 MPG | 19 | 28 | $3500 | 402 | 1 |
| 2012 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25 | $3850 | 444 | 1 |
| 2011 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25 | $3850 | 444 | 1 |
| 2001 | 17 MPG | 14.5 | 20.5 | $4550 | 525 | 2 |
| 1999 | 17 MPG | 14.5 | 20.5 | $3675 | 525 | 2 |
| 1998 | 18 MPG | 15 | 22 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1995 | 17 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4550 | 523 | 1 |
| 1994 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $4550 | 523 | 1 |
| 1993 | 16 MPG | 14 | 20 | $4800 | 555 | 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 149 large cars models tracked here, the BMW 740i ranks 19 on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Genesis G80 RWD (26), Kia Forte 5 (26.7), BMW X1 sDrive28i (27), Kia K5 AWD (27), BMW 740i Sedan (28).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 360 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 740i get?
The 2021 BMW 740i is rated at 25 MPG combined by the EPA — 22 city and 29 highway. Across all 17 model years in the database it averages 20.8 MPG, ranging from 16 to 25 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 740i cost in fuel per year?
At 25 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 600 gallons — roughly $1920 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.128 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2021 model is $3100.
Has the BMW 740i become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 16 MPG in 1993 to 25 in 2021 — an improvement of 9 MPG, or 56% across 17 model years.
Is the BMW 740i efficient for its class?
It ranks 19 of 149 in the Large Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG. That is 3.5 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.