2010 x35d mpg > 2009 x35d mpg?

[stimulate]

This is just an anecdotal observation, but I have seen threads here and elsewhere that 2010 x35d are getting 30+ mpg on highway trips. I have 17K miles on my 2009 x35d and have at best seen 27.6mpg. I have taken some 250 to 500 mile trips recently.

I am not complaining, after 9 years driving a Lincoln Navigator.

I usually drive 75 mph on highway trips, so that may be a factor compared to slower drivers. I use the cruise control constantly. Other than that, my X5 is well maintained, I use Gulf diesel typically and run the stock 18" tires at 32 psi.

I have read that the ECU remapping of diesel engines can improve horsepower and mileage. I wonder if the 2010 has been remapped or otherwise optimized for better mileage.

[GoVols!]

I think the mileage also varies by road condition(i.e. rain, snow, elevation changes) and temperature. In the last two months, mine has dropped from 24.5mpg avg to 20.5 avg. I feel this is probably normal due to the roads now being covered in snow and the temp going from the 60's to the -20's. My '09 gets 33 or so on a long highway run over reasonably flat terrain at 65 mph in warm weather.

[ABMW]

Originally Posted by GoVols!

I think the mileage also varies by road condition(i.e. rain, snow, elevation changes) and temperature. In the last two months, mine has dropped from 24.5mpg avg to 20.5 avg. I feel this is probably normal due to the roads now being covered in snow and the temp going from the 60's to the -20's. My '09 gets 33 or so on a long highway run over reasonably flat terrain at 65 mph in warm weather.

Screw the road conditions. I have a new theory: DRIVER AGE! If I drove at 65 mph for any length of time my wife would... :-)

I drive much faster than 65, but when I am in traffic at 65, I do see 30+.

When I'm driving "for real" I get between 23-24 mpg at 80 to 85 miles per hour over 500 miles. SFO to SAN at that speed produced 23.8, including passing every single driver up the I-5 grapevine (torque!!!!!)

I'm under 35-years old, some 15% under, if my math is correct.

I did just wrap up a 2,800 mile trip, and there were 100-mile stretches where I would average just a hair beneath 30 miles per gallon. Phoenix to Tucson was one of them, and I was at 75 to 80, slightly slower than in California due to all the damn traffic cameras on AZ's Interstates.

The SAV's posted fuel consumption number are probably the most realistic I've seen in YEARS. 26 mpg on the Freeway is VERY, VERY realistic at legal traffic speeds.

Great truck. I love you 35d! I love you, I love you, I love you!

[Diesel Guy]

27.8 was the best I got....inagural trip from PCD to Boston.........950 miles at 72 MPH average.......since then, combined city and hwy is 24.8.

I think some of this is like golf handicaps.........although you'de have to be driving below 65 MPH on cruise to get over 30 MPG, IMHO..........

[2010X5d]

Originally Posted by Diesel Guy

27.8 was the best I got....inagural trip from PCD to Boston.........950 miles at 72 MPH average.......since then, combined city and hwy is 24.8.

I think some of this is like golf handicaps.........although you'de have to be driving below 65 MPH on cruise to get over 30 MPG, IMHO..........

Yes,
I have around 2200 miles on my X5d,
First 1000 miles, 50-50 city/highway drive - I averaged 22-23
I went for a long drive for next 1000 miles, average speed 70, mileage was 26

[Sea Doom]

The above posts are spot on and consistent with our recent 5,000+ mi. trip through the Rockies to KS, then down to NOLA and back to SoCal. To average >30MPG with the '10 35d you'll need minimal elevation fluctuations, with <70MPH speeds. FWIW, I can "old man" the X5d around town to acheive ~25MPG - but at the expense/risk of P.O.ing almost every other driver in the city.

[jaaX3]

I made a trip up to the Rockies and back yesterday (up the mountain, then back down). I reset the computer at the gas station, and here are my results (miles to empty, and trip computer at the end of my trip):