The 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S Coupe 4.0L 8-cyl gets 20 MPG combined. That number reflects the reality of owning a hand-built performance machine. It’s the price to experience strong acceleration, guttural exhaust, and a driving experience that prioritizes thrills over lower fuel costs. This isn’t a car for hypermilers; it’s for those who relish the sound of a twin-turbocharged V8 producing pure German muscle. For the C63 S buyer, performance matters far more than fuel economy.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 17 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway for the AMG C63 S Coupe. The difference between these numbers tells a story. The city figure mirrors stop-and-go conditions where the V8 is constantly managing its significant power, never truly reaching its potential. The highway number, while still not stellar, suggests the car can be slightly more efficient when cruising at constant speeds, allowing its nine-speed automatic transmission to find its optimal gear. Few C63 S owners are focused on saving gas on open roads. The temptation to unleash its full potential is too strong.

Annual fuel cost

Prepare for a fuel bill that reflects the powerful engine under the C63 S’s hood. The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost to be $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a blended mix of city and highway driving, assuming national average fuel prices. This $2,900 figure is a benchmark. If you drive it hard, spend more time in city traffic, or live in an area with higher gas prices, that number will increase. The C63 S prefers premium fuel, which further increases the cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures offer a standardized comparison, real-world fuel economy will vary depending on driving style and conditions. If you regularly engage the sport exhaust, launch control, and revel in the C63 S’s torque, expect to see numbers significantly lower than the EPA estimates. This isn’t a car designed for gentle commuting. Heavy acceleration and spirited driving will affect fuel consumption. However, a driver who is careful (a rare breed in a C63 S) and spends a significant amount of time on the highway might achieve closer to the rated fuel economy. Even then, 20 MPG should be considered a realistic average, not a guarantee. The engine’s great power is always available.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the AMG C63 S Coupe’s fuel economy is similar to other powerful, performance-oriented cars. The BMW M4 Competition, another V8-powered German coupe for enthusiasts, achieves a similar 20 MPG combined. The Audi RS5, with its turbocharged V6, manages slightly better numbers, closer to 21 MPG combined. The Cadillac CTS-V, which also features a supercharged V8, hovers around 17 MPG combined. These comparisons highlight an important fact: fuel efficiency isn’t the main concern for buyers in this segment. These buyers care about the balance of performance, luxury, and brand appeal. For those who care about fuel economy across the Mercedes Benz lineup, see all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data and to compare across all year’s consider seeing AMG MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the AMG C63 S Coupe isn’t particularly fuel-efficient, there are a few techniques to minimize fuel consumption while still enjoying its character. Use the “Comfort” driving mode when cruising on the highway. This setting softens the throttle response and optimizes the transmission for efficiency, unlike “Sport” or “Race” modes, which hold gears longer and prioritize performance.

Practice smooth acceleration and braking. Quickly pressing the gas pedal and slamming on the brakes wastes fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. The engine needs to work less when you apply light pedal pressure.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Avoid idling unnecessarily. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling wastes fuel. The C63 S offers an automatic start/stop feature that does this for you, but you can manually control it as well.