An EPA-estimated 18 MPG combined is what you’ll get when driving the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupe with its hand-built 4.0L V8. This isn’t a grocery-getter, nor is it a commuter car for someone primarily concerned with saving money at the pump. It’s a statement. It’s an experience. The buyer shelling out well over $100,000 for this visceral machine understands, and largely accepts, its thirst for premium fuel.

City and highway performance

The official EPA figures break down to 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The relatively low city MPG reflects stop-and-go driving, where the powerful V8 constantly works to overcome inertia, burning fuel. The highway figure, while not stellar, is more acceptable. A long-distance cruise will still come with a significant fuel bill, but it won’t require an excessively frequent number of gas station stops. Keep in mind those highway numbers are likely achieved only with a light foot; aggressive acceleration will quickly decimate that 22 MPG figure.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe at $3,200. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using current national average fuel prices. Given the AMG GT’s requirement for premium fuel and the potential for drivers to exceed the 15,000-mile estimate, particularly on weekend drives, owners could see this number climb even higher.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy in the AMG GT Coupe depends on driving style. A driver who frequently uses the engine’s power and keeps it in Sport+ mode will see numbers closer to the city rating, regardless of the environment. A more conservative driver, who spends more time on the highway and uses cruise control, can expect to approach, or potentially even slightly exceed, the EPA’s estimates. The 4.0L V8 is a capable cruiser when required. However, this is unlikely.

How it compares

The AMG GT Coupe exists in a realm of performance cars where fuel economy is often a secondary consideration, but context is still helpful. The Porsche 911 Carrera S, while offering a different driving experience, manages a combined 21 MPG with its twin-turbocharged flat-six, a considerable improvement. An Audi R8 V10, another V10-powered competitor, clocks in with EPA ratings of 16 MPG combined, making it surprisingly less efficient than the AMG GT in some respects. Comparing it to its sibling, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe receives 20 combined MPG, a figure that some potential AMG GT buyer may consider. Buyers in this segment accept a fuel-economy penalty for the performance and prestige they are seeking. You can find all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data on this site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the AMG GT Coupe isn’t designed for maximizing MPGs, there are steps drivers can take to improve fuel efficiency. Avoid abrupt acceleration and braking, as these actions waste considerable fuel. The engine management system delivers its best economy at a constant speed, especially on long highway runs. Even minimizing hard acceleration when entering the freeway helps achieve better mileage.

Use the AMG Dynamic Select system. Selecting ‘Comfort’ mode relaxes the throttle response and shift programming, favoring fuel economy. Sport and Sport+ prioritize performance, which almost certainly lowers the mileage from the numbers you can achieve in Comfort mode. Selecting the right mode for the prevailing highway conditions makes a difference.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption. Check tire pressures regularly, especially before long drives.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the car’s overall weight, requiring more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Keep the trunk free of unnecessary items to minimize this effect.

Consider the route. Avoiding stop-and-go traffic and opting for routes with smoother traffic flow can noticeably improve fuel economy. Using GPS or navigation apps to find the least congested route can be beneficial. You can also investigate AMG MPG across all years to see if other model years offer better efficiency while fulfilling requirements for the driving experience.