Fuel efficiency: BMW cars with the best MPG
Want a fuel-efficient BMW but don't know which is best? Here's a list of BMW's most economical cars with the best MPG
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Most economical BMWs
If you’re after the most fuel-efficient BMW possible, then your best bet would be a reliable model with a petrol, diesel, or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine.
Thanks to new technologies and tried-and-tested engines, the used BMW models below will give you some of the best MPG figures on the market.
So, if you regularly drive long distances or just want to spend less time at a petrol station, these are five economical BMW cars for you.
BMW 5 Series
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BMW 5 Series fuel economy:
Petrol: 26.2-45.6mpg
Diesel: 40.4-58.9mpg
PHEV: 128.4-201.8mpg
The BMW 5 Series is available as either a saloon or estate, both of which are practical and roomy for all passengers – not to mention incredible on motorways.
In terms of engines, you can have a 5 Series with a petrol, diesel or PHEV setup that gets you up to 50 miles of electric-only driving, making city trips a breeze.
All engine options are very reliable, offering between 26.2mpg and 201.8mpg depending on which you choose.
You also get plenty of power and torque (especially with the diesel), which is handy when on those longer motorway drives or getting away from the lights.
The 5 Series is also very reliable with affordable running costs, and if anything were to go wrong then you’ll be able to get it sorted quickly because of how readily available its parts are worldwide.
BMW X5
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BMW X5 Series fuel economy:
Petrol: 20.8-31.4mpg
Diesel: 32.8-42.2mpg
PHEV: 201.8-353.1mpg
The BMW X5 has been around for decades, and in many ways started the trend of luxury SUVs when it launched back in 1999, so this means BMW has had plenty of time to perfect its recipe.
You may not think the X5 could be fuel efficient because of its 2.5-tonne overall weight and xDrive four-wheel-drive system, but it does surprisingly well in that department due to some clever engines and its ability to carefully sip fuel.
Like its 5 Series relative, the X5 is available with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engine setups, all of which are reliable and hard-wearing.
Being a large SUV, it won’t be the cheapest to run in most instances, but opt for the PHEV and you can get up to 60 miles of all-electric range – that’s perfect for most people’s daily commute.
BMW 225e xDrive
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BMW 2 Series Active Tourer fuel economy:
Petrol: 44.8-47.9mpg
Diesel: 55.4-58.9mpg
PHEV: 403.5-470.8mpg
Just because the standard 2 Series isn’t available as a plug-in hybrid doesn’t mean the larger Active Tourer MPV can’t.
The 225e xDrive is the more family-oriented of the 2 Series range, offering more interior space, a larger boot and, most importantly, better fuel economy.
The greatest efficiency will be found in the PHEV, which can also drive up to 49 miles on battery power alone, so this is the one for city dwellers.
But, if you tend to do more motorway journeys, we’d recommend the diesel engine because it’s got higher fuel economy and is happy to chug along all day at 70mph.
The standard petrol engines are great and are more efficient than most hatchbacks, so this is the one for most people because of its lower running costs and peppy acceleration.
You can find great deals on used BMW 2 Series models if you want to save some money, as well.
BMW 1 Series
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BMW 1 Series fuel economy:
Petrol: 40.9-49.6mpg
Diesel: 48.7-62.8mpg
For a long time, the 1 Series was seen as the ‘my first BMW’ because of its size, but despite being the smallest, it still packs a serious punch in terms of reliability.
It’s not available as a plug-in hybrid, but this doesn’t stop its petrol and diesel engines being efficient. Thanks to the 1 Series’ EfficientDynamics range, they’re more economical than ever before.
If you’re not sure which 1 Series is for you, it can be had with anything from a small 1.0-litre petrol engine to a larger 2.0-litre diesel.
The former is better suited to most people, but the latter will be best for those who tend to do longer motorway journeys.
As far as reliability is concerned, the 1 Series is cheap to run and affordable to insure for most people, which is what makes it such an attractive proposition for many younger drivers or those new to life on the road.
Plus, there are great used BMW 1 Series models readily available and at impressive prices.
BMW M760e
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BMW 7 Series fuel economy:
Petrol: 20.9-35.8mpg
Diesel: 37.7-51.4mpg
PHEV: 80.7-156.9mpg
The 1970s was a decade all about fashion and music, so when the very serious 7 Series was launched, those who understood it jumped right on it, and it’s remained popular ever since.
Nowadays, the 7 Series is the car of the businessperson thanks to its spacious cabin, large boot, and high levels of tech.
It’s all well and good having a swanky interior, but if you haven’t got the power to back it up, what’s the point? Luckily, under the bonnet is where the 7 Series continues to shine.
This economical luxury saloon is available with a petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engine (offering up to 34 miles on electric power alone), which are all very economical and have been used by BMW for years.
Parts, like all other mass-produced BMW models, are very easy to get hold of, so if anything were to go wrong, you’ll be sorted in no time.