Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW M5 Competition F90 review – ​MPG and running costs

With great power comes great fuel consumption – it’s thirsty, while the complex power and drivetrains bely its familiar shape

Evo rating
RRP
from £111,425
  • Powertrain devastatingly effective; more dynamically capable than rivals and beautifully built
  • It’s big; steering lacks life; soundtrack is too augmented

Hot-V V8 engines have a reputation of quite astonishing fuel consumption when being worked and BMW’s is no different. During our time with the non-Competition M5 on our Fast Fleet we usually averaged between 26 and 28mpg, but given enough space would easily drop into the teens when you put your foot down.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The near-two-ton kerb weight has other compromises such as an appetite for tyres, brake pads and suspension components. BMW’s standard-fit Michelin Pilot 4 S tyres aren’t as aggressive as some, but the 275- and 285-section front and rear tyres to fit the Competition’s standard 20-inch wheels will cost around £1200 a set to replace.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Tesla Model Y review – the cure for range anxiety?
Tesla Model Y
Reviews

Tesla Model Y review – the cure for range anxiety?

You’ll struggle to drive any distance without seeing a Tesla Model Y, but there is good reason for that
7 Aug 2026
The ultimate supercars of the 1990s – car pictures of the week
'90s supercars
Features

The ultimate supercars of the 1990s – car pictures of the week

Our Eras tests travel to the 1990s, where the genre evolves beyond all recognition compared to two decades earlier
8 Aug 2026
The Aston Martin DB12 S has had its grille painted bright blue, and ‘VMF’ is why
Aston Martin DB12 S VMF editions
News

The Aston Martin DB12 S has had its grille painted bright blue, and ‘VMF’ is why

Aston Martin is going back to the 1950s with three special DB12s, designed to reference its famous ‘VMF’ DB2 racers 
10 Aug 2026