The 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Convertible gets 16 MPG combined, but focusing on that number misses the bigger picture. This car isn’t basic transportation; it’s essentially a rolling piece of art powered by a hand-built, twin-turbocharged V12 engine. Buyers aren’t thinking about saving fuel. They’re choosing a sensory experience: the sound of twelve cylinders, the nearly 700 lb-ft of torque, and feeling the wind. It’s a choice to value extravagance over saving. This car is the height of open-top luxury and performance and is made for rich customers for whom fuel consumption isn’t that important.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the AMG S65 Convertible achieves 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The difference happens because the V12’s large engine size and turbocharging require a lot of fuel, mainly at lower speeds and when accelerating a lot. On the open road, the 7-speed automatic transmission can use higher gears to improve efficiency, but even then, how aerodynamic it is and how much the S65 weighs will limit that. The engine’s output is always strong, so even driving on the highway uses more fuel than average.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Convertible is $3,600. This is figured out by driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Note that premium fuel is required, and changing fuel prices can easily make this annual cost higher. For owners driving more than the average mileage or often using the V12’s performance, this number will be a lot higher.

Real-world expectations

The AMG S65 Convertible’s real-world fuel economy can change a lot, depending on driving style and where you’re driving. Drivers who often use the engine’s power and spend more time in stop-and-go traffic will probably see numbers close to or even below the EPA’s 14 MPG city estimate. However, those who mainly drive on the highway at normal speeds could get numbers closer to the 21 MPG highway rating or even a little better. But it’s not likely anyone spending this much on a car will care about slow acceleration or gliding. The driving experience makes you want to step on the gas.

How it compares

Competitors often offer slightly better or just as bad fuel economy. A Bentley Continental GT Convertible with the W12 engine gets around 15 MPG combined, similar to the S65. However, the Continental GT has a V8 version with a better 19 MPG combined, though it doesn’t have the same power and prestige as the twelve-cylinder. A Rolls-Royce Dawn is similar in price and luxury, but it doesn’t have EPA fuel economy testing because they don’t make many of them, but expect its MPG numbers to be similar. Buyers choosing between these high-end convertibles are usually more interested in features, performance, and brand prestige than a little difference in miles per gallon. You can see all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data on our site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Though fuel economy might not be a big deal for AMG S65 Convertible owners, here are some ways to use less gas without really changing how you drive.

Avoid stepping hard on the gas when you don’t need to. The twin-turbo V12 makes a lot of power, and even stepping on the gas a little can use a lot of fuel. Gently accelerating, mainly from a stop, will greatly reduce fuel use in urban driving. The massive power band means you don’t need to rev the engine hard to speed up.

Drive at the same speed on the highway. Cruise control helps reduce how much your speed changes and helps keep fuel efficiency at its best. Think about how traffic is moving and avoid stopping fast or speeding up, which uses more fuel. Look ahead and plan.

Make sure the tires have enough air. Low tires make it harder to move, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to what it says on the driver’s side door.

Don’t keep extra weight in the car. The AMG S65 Convertible is already heavy, so removing anything unnecessary from the trunk or inside can slightly improve fuel economy. Every pound counts, however unlikely you are to see an impact.

Try using the “Comfort” drive mode, if you can resist using “Sport” or “Sport+.” This might make the engine less responsive, but it can also reduce fuel use by optimizing when it shifts gears and how the throttle responds. For in-depth information about all AMG versions, check out AMG MPG across all years.