BMW M5
17 MPG The 2021 BMW M5 is EPA-rated at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 21 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 882 gallons, $2824 a year in fuel, or $0.188 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1991–2021 run it averages 15 MPG, improving by 4 MPG over 20 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 | $0.147 | $1471 | $2206 | $2941 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.176 | $1765 | $2647 | $3529 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.188 | $1882 | $2824 | $3765 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.206 | $2059 | $3088 | $4118 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.235 | $2353 | $3529 | $4706 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.265 | $2647 | $3971 | $5294 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.294 | $2941 | $4412 | $5882 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $4550 | 520 | 1 |
| 2020 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $4550 | 518 | 1 |
| 2019 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $4550 | 521 | 1 |
| 2018 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $4550 | 521 | 1 |
| 2016 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 21 | $4675 | 535 | 2 |
| 2015 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 21 | $4675 | 535 | 2 |
| 2014 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 21 | $4675 | 535 | 2 |
| 2013 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 21 | $4675 | 534 | 2 |
| 2010 | 13 MPG | 11 | 17 | $5950 | 684 | 2 |
| 2009 | 13 MPG | 11 | 17 | $5950 | 684 | 2 |
| 2008 | 13 MPG | 11 | 17 | $5950 | 684 | 2 |
| 2007 | 13 MPG | 11 | 17 | $5950 | 684 | 2 |
| 2006 | 13 MPG | 11 | 17 | $5950 | 684 | 1 |
| 2003 | 15 MPG | 12 | 19 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2002 | 15 MPG | 12 | 19 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2001 | 15 MPG | 12 | 19 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2000 | 15 MPG | 12 | 19 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 1993 | 14 MPG | 11 | 21 | $5500 | 635 | 1 |
| 1992 | 14 MPG | 11 | 21 | $5500 | 635 | 1 |
| 1991 | 13 MPG | 10 | 19 | $5950 | 684 | 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 M5 ranks 239 on current figures, against a class average of 27.3 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Acura 3.5RL (18), Audi 100 quattro (18), Audi S8 (18), Cadillac Catera (18), Ford Taurus SHO (18).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 520 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW M5 get?
The 2021 BMW M5 is rated at 17 MPG combined by the EPA — 15 city and 21 highway. Across all 20 model years in the database it averages 15 MPG, ranging from 13 to 17 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW M5 cost in fuel per year?
At 17 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 882 gallons — roughly $2824 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.188 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2021 model is $4550.
Has the BMW M5 become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 13 MPG in 1991 to 17 in 2021 — an improvement of 4 MPG, or 31% across 20 model years.
Is the BMW M5 efficient for its class?
It ranks 239 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.3 MPG. That is 10.3 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.