If you’re eyeing the BMW 5 Series, knowing its mileage is crucial—especially when fuel costs are high. In India, you’ll see both ARAI-claimed numbers and real-world figures, which often differ. This article breaks down BMW 5 Series mileage claims, real user averages, and how factors like driving style affect what you’ll actually get.
Written by J.S. BIBHAB KUMAR
Claimed Figures in India:
- The BMW 5 Series in India has a claimed ARAI mileage of 15.7 kmpl for petrol variants.
- On CarDekho, the mileage is quoted as 10.9 kmpl (city, automatic petrol) and a highway figure of 15.7 kmpl for the automatic petrol variants.
- For the diesel variant 520d M Sport, the ARAI claims 20.37 kmpl in India.
So in India, expect:
- Petrol (automatic): ~ 10.9 kmpl city, ~ 15.7 kmpl combined / highway
- Diesel options: up to ~ 20.3 kmpl under ideal conditions
Global & Real-World Mileage Figures:-
- In the U.S., for the 2025 BMW 530i (four-cylinder petrol), EPA estimates are 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway, which is roughly 11.5 kmpl / 14.9 kmpl conversions.
- On Car & Driver’s tests, the 530i xDrive achieved 35 mpg on highway runs.
- In Indian tests and owner reports, for the 530 Li (long wheelbase 5 Series India version), BMW claims 15.7 kmpl, although real driving often drags that down when driven aggressively.
- In one user forum, a 530e (plug‐in hybrid) was reported at ~ 21-24 mpg in city when battery influence was minimal, which amounts to ~ 9–10 kmpl equivalent.
Why Claimed and Real Numbers Differ?
Many factors cause real mileage to differ:
- Driving style: Aggressive acceleration, braking, and high speeds kill efficiency.
- Road conditions & traffic: City traffic, steep climbs, and congestion reduce economy.
- Vehicle load & auxiliaries: Air-conditioning, heavy loads, roof racks, etc., reduce mileage.
- Maintenance & tyre condition: Poor alignment, underinflated tyres, and dirty filters drag the figures down.
So even though a 5 Series claims ~15.7 kmpl, real city driving often yields 8-12 kmpl for many owners in Indian conditions.
What You Should Expect (Typical Range)?
Given all this, if you own or plan to own a 5 Series in India:
- In city use, expect 8 to 12 kmpl in petrol models (depending on traffic & style).
- On highways, you might see ~ 14 to 16 kmpl with gentle driving and no heavy load.
- With diesel variants (520d etc.), in ideal highway conditions, the number may go up to 18–20 kmpl in favourable conditions.
FAQs:
Q1: What is the mileage of the BMW 5 Series petrol in India?
Claimed ARAI is 15.7 kmpl (combined / highway) for petrol variants.
Q2: What about the diesel BMW 5 Series Mileage?
The 520d M Sport is claimed at 20.37 kmpl in India.
Q3: What EPA figures do 5 Series models get internationally?
For the 530i: ~ 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway (11.5 / 14.9 kmpl equivalent) in US specs.
Q4: Why do real figures fall lower than claims?
Traffic, load, driving style, maintenance, and road conditions all reduce performance.

Automotive industry analyst with 3+ years of experience dissecting market trends, emerging technologies, and consumer insights. His expertise fuels data-driven perspectives on swagatswork.com, empowering professionals to navigate the evolving automotive landscape.