The EPA estimates 17 MPG combined for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 S 4matic Plus Coupe, 4.0L 8-cyl. This isn’t a vehicle you buy for being economical. It makes a statement. It’s a visceral experience wrapped in sculpted metal and supple leather. The bellow of its hand-built V8 sounds much better than any fuel-saving whisper.

City and highway performance

The GLC63 S Coupe gets its 15 MPG city and 22 MPG highway ratings from its powerful 4.0L 8-cylinder engine. This twin-turbocharged powerplant delivers 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, sent through a 9-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. Stop-and-go traffic and the temptation to accelerate quickly in the city will affect fuel economy. On the highway, the GLC63 S Coupe cruises comfortably, but it’s hard not to use its performance potential. The trade-off between raw power and saving fuel is clear, they don’t work well together in this car.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $3,400 for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63 S Coupe. This estimation is based on 15,000 miles per year with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices. Premium fuel is needed to get the engine’s full power and keep it running well. Changes in gas prices, or driving hard, could easily make this annual cost higher. For those interested in the GLC63 S Coupe, $3,400 is often considered the price to pay for its performance and luxury.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy for the GLC63 S Coupe depends on how you drive it. Driving aggressively will result in lower MPG than the official ratings. Even driving carefully, achieving the EPA’s numbers consistently can be hard, because the sound and response of the engine tempt drivers to use its power often. The GLC63 S Coupe is also heavy, which hurts efficiency. Some owners might see numbers close to the EPA’s estimates on relaxed highway trips, but expect to average closer to the city figure, or even a bit below, in daily driving.

How it compares

The AMG GLC63 S Coupe is in a segment where performance is often more important than saving fuel. The BMW X4 M Competition, another high-performance coupe-SUV, gets around 16 MPG combined. The Porsche Macan Turbo, faster than the base Macan models, gets around 19 MPG combined. Even the AMG GLC 63 S SUV achieves similar fuel economy to its coupe version. People who buy the AMG GLC63 S Coupe are likely prioritizing its unique styling, handcrafted engine, and exciting driving over small fuel savings. They’re okay with paying more at the pump for the joy and prestige this car gives them.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While MPG might not be the main focus for someone with an AMG GLC63 S Coupe, you can still reduce fuel use by avoiding fast acceleration and hard braking. The GLC63 S Coupe drives best with smooth inputs. Gently pressing the throttle, especially when starting, can lower fuel consumption.

Carefully select the car’s driving modes. The “Comfort” setting changes the throttle response and transmission shift points for better efficiency, which is less exciting than “Sport” or “Sport+”. This mode is best for relaxed cruising or highway driving when performance isn’t needed. Not always using the engine’s full power will save gas.

Make sure the tires have the correct air pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check the tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. Proper tire pressure improves efficiency, handling, and tire life.

Avoid idling. Letting the engine idle consumes fuel for no reason. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine, because modern engines restart quickly. This is a simple way to save fuel. Consider turning off the “auto start/stop” function in traffic if you prefer to feel the engine running. Remember to check out all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data for comparison.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Following the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance, makes sure the engine runs at its best and wastes less fuel. For AMG MPG across all years, check out AMG MPG across all years.