Against 422 other V6 cars rated 2016–2018, the 540d beats their 21.8 mpg average by 8.2 mpg, about $481 a year.
Every BMW 540d engine, compared
The BMW 540d was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | 26 / 36 | 2018–2018 | $1,280 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2018) | $0.107 |
| Fuel per year | $1,280 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,400 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2016–2018 | −$481 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,600 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2018 BMW 540d gives up 10 mpg in town: 36 on the highway against 26 in the city, $410 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2018) | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 36 mpg | $1,067 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (38%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 540d changed over the years
Combined figure across the 1 model year the 540d was rated in, all of them at 30 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 26 / 36 | 1 | $1,280 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 1 EPA ratings of the BMW 540d — 1 engine across 2018–2018. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,600. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2018 BMW 540d get?
30 mpg combined, 26 city and 36 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2018 the 540d has averaged 30 mpg.
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