Against 266 other V8 cars rated 2017–2019, the 850i beats their 17.4 mpg average by 2.6 mpg, about $287 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1991, the 4.4L 8-cyl (2019), does 20 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 12-cyl (1991–1992), 13: $1,034 a year apart.
Every BMW 850i 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 | 17 / 26 | 2019–2019 | $1,920 | |
| 5L 12-cyl | 11 / 17 | 1991–1992 | $2,954 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2019) | $0.160 |
| Fuel per year | $1,920 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,600 |
| Against other V8 cars, 2017–2019 | −$287 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,567 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2019 BMW 850i gives up 9 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 17 in the city, $782 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2019) | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (53%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 850i changed over the years
The 850i peaked in 2019 at 20 mpg (17 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1992 at 13 — 7 mpg apart, or $1,034 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1992 | 11 / 17 | 1 | $2,954 | |
| 1991 | 11 / 17 | 1 | $2,954 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 3 EPA ratings of the BMW 850i — 2 engines across 1991–2019. 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 $4,567. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2019 BMW 850i get?
20 mpg combined, 17 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1991 the 850i has averaged 15.3 mpg.
Which 850i year has the best gas mileage?
The 2019, at 20 mpg combined (17 city, 26 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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