I've read that the mileage is close (almost identical) to the 3.0L. I've seen highway mileage on the 4.4 to be around 19-20 and the city driving around 16 or so. Does this sound accurate?

Is the sport model the nicer of the two?

Sorry about my general lack of knowledge on the BMW's. We came from a Volvo XC90 and it was in the shop a lot! I know the BMW is suppose to be a better build quality but I still don't know too much.