Against 272 other V8 cars rated 2015–2017, the 550i sits right on their 17.3 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2006, the 4.4L 8-cyl (2011–2017), does 19.4 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.8L 8-cyl (2006–2010), 18: $154 a year apart.
Every BMW 550i engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 16.4 / 24.6 | 2011–2017 | $1,979 | |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 15 / 23 | 2006–2010 | $2,133 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Camry gets 32.9 mpg, the Honda Accord 34 mpg and the Toyota Prius 56 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 2017 550i. The 550i costs the most of them to run: $1,447 a year more than the Toyota Prius.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2017) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V8 cars, 2015–2017 | −$87 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,113 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2017 BMW 550i gives up 9 mpg in town: 24 on the highway against 15 in the city, $960 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2017) | 15 mpg | $2,560 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (60%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 550i changed over the years
The 550i peaked in 2016 at 20 mpg (17 city, 25 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2017 at 18 — 2 mpg apart, or $213 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2017 car does 18. The 2017 model loses 2 mpg against 20 for the 2016.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 15 / 24 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2016 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2015 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2014 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2013 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2012 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2011 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2010 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2009 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2008 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2007 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2006 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 12 EPA ratings of the BMW 550i — 2 engines across 2006–2017. 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 $4,113. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2017 BMW 550i get?
18 mpg combined, 15 city and 24 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2006 the 550i has averaged 18.8 mpg.
Is the 2017 550i more efficient than the 2016?
No: 18 against 20 mpg combined, about $213 a year more to run.
Which 550i year has the best gas mileage?
The 2016, at 20 mpg combined (17 city, 25 highway).
Does the 550i get better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry?
No: 18 mpg for the 2017 550i against 32.9 for the 2018 Toyota Camry, about $966 a year more to run.
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