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

Lotus Esprit (1976-1987) review – from James Bond's icon to the Esprit Turbo
Lotus Esprit Turbo
In-depth reviews

Lotus Esprit (1976-1987) review – from James Bond's icon to the Esprit Turbo

The delicate but delicious Esprit was a supercar like no other. Here's everything you need to know and our drive of the Esprit Turbo
7 Sep 2026
Volkswagen Group’s survival plan and how it got in such a mess
Volkswagen ID.3
Opinion

Volkswagen Group’s survival plan and how it got in such a mess

What was 2019’s largest carmaker is now cutting 100,000 jobs and 50 per cent of its models. How did it get here?
6 Sep 2026
Analogue Automotive VHPK Lotus Elise review – a McLaren F1 in miniature?
Analogue Automotive VHPK Elise
Reviews

Analogue Automotive VHPK Lotus Elise review – a McLaren F1 in miniature?

How to make a Lotus Elise even more driver-focused? Bin the passenger seat and mount the driver in the middle
6 Sep 2026