Against 254 other Hybrid cars rated 2025–2027, the 540i sits right on their 28 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1994, the 3L 6-cyl Hybrid (2021–2027), does 27.6 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4L 8-cyl (1994–1995), 17.5: $803 a year apart.
Every BMW 540i engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl Hybrid | 25.6 / 32.3 | 2021–2027 | $1,391 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 21 / 29.8 | 2017–2020 | $1,580 | |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 16 / 22 | 1997–2003 | $2,133 | |
| 4L 8-cyl | 15 / 22 | 1994–1995 | $2,194 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Corolla gets 42.5 mpg, the Lexus IS 22 mpg and the Subaru WRX 22 mpg, next to 28 mpg for the 2027 540i.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2027) | $0.114 |
| Fuel per year | $1,371 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,855 |
| Against other Hybrid cars, 2025–2027 | about the same |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,475 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2027 BMW 540i gives up 6 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 26 in the city, $277 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2027) | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32 mpg | $1,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (23%) | Typical for its type |
How the 540i changed over the years
The 540i peaked in 2027 at 28 mpg (26 city, 32 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1994 at 17 — 11 mpg apart, or $888 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 26 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2026 | 26 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2025 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2024 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2023 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2022 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2021 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2020 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2019 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2018 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2017 | 20 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2003 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2002 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2001 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2000 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1999 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1998 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1997 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1995 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1994 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 20 EPA ratings of the BMW 540i — 4 engines across 1994–2027. 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 $3,475. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2027 BMW 540i get?
28 mpg combined, 26 city and 32 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1994 the 540i has averaged 22.6 mpg.
Is the 2027 540i more efficient than the 2026?
About the same: 28 against 28 mpg combined.
Which 540i year has the best gas mileage?
The 2027, at 28 mpg combined (26 city, 32 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 540i get better gas mileage than the Toyota Corolla?
No: 28 mpg for the 2027 540i against 42.5 for the 2026 Toyota Corolla, about $467 a year more to run.
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