17 MPG combined. These three digits will be practically irrelevant to the person signing the check for a 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R Coupe. This is a car built for surgical precision on a racetrack, a snarling, carbon-fiber-clad performance machine. Fuel economy is a distant afterthought, something to consider only when deciding whether to take one more glorious lap at the Nürburgring or head back to the pits.

City and highway performance

The official EPA estimates peg the AMG GT R Coupe at 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. Those numbers reflect the characteristics of the car. In stop-and-go city driving, the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 is simply loafing, burning fuel to maintain a barely-restrained beast. Out on the open road, where the aerodynamics can come into play and the engine can settle into a more efficient cruising rhythm, the GT R manages a slightly more respectable highway figure. Note that those figures are achieved with premium gasoline only, which is a requirement for maximum performance and longevity from this meticulously engineered engine.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R Coupe at $3,400. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. For an owner who tracks the car regularly, or who drives it primarily in urban environments, this figure could easily be much higher. Conversely, a seasoned driver who spends more time on long, open highway stretches might see slightly lower fuel costs.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers. The reality is that very few AMG GT R owners will achieve anything close to 17 MPG in their daily driving. Between the temptation to unleash the engine’s full potential and the aggressive driving style that the GT R encourages, expect fuel economy in the low teens, or even single digits, during spirited driving sessions. The car’s character simply demands it. This is not a vehicle purchased for practicality or frugality; it’s a statement, an experience, and a privilege, and fuel consumption is merely the price of admission.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance coupes, the AMG GT R’s fuel economy is, predictably, not a strong suit. The Porsche 911 GT3, while certainly not a paragon of efficiency, manages around 15 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. The Chevrolet Corvette Z06, in manual form, posts numbers around 15 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. Even the Jaguar F-Type R, with its supercharged V8, can achieve comparable or slightly better MPG in real-world driving. Buyers considering a GT R might not cross-shop with these vehicles, but it shows that there are other ways to get immense performance without completely sacrificing fuel efficiency. Of course, these cars aren’t likely to win at the Nürburgring like the GT R.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth and steady throttle inputs are critical for maximizing fuel economy, however counterintuitive it might feel in a car like this. Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking, and let the car’s engine management system work. The GT R’s AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed transmission is designed for both lightning-fast shifts and efficiency. Therefore, letting it operate in automatic mode during relaxed cruising, rather than constantly paddle-shifting, can save fuel.

Regular maintenance is critical to keeping the engine operating at peak efficiency. Scheduled services, including oil changes, spark plug replacements, and air filter cleaning, should all be performed on time. A well-maintained engine is more efficient, burns fuel more cleanly, and delivers better performance.

Minimize idling. Allowing the car to sit and idle, especially with the air conditioning running, consumes a surprising amount of fuel. If you know you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Even a short period of idling adds up over time.

Tire pressure plays a significant role in fuel economy. Ensure that your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data to make sure you have the proper tire setup.

Consider your driving mode. While the GT R’s various driving modes are designed to optimize performance for different situations, choosing a more conservative mode, like Comfort, can significantly improve fuel economy during everyday driving. While it might diminish the car’s aggressive character, it also dials back the engine’s thirst for fuel. You can discover the AMG MPG across all years to further assist your research.