22 MPG combined isn’t the main selling point of the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 53 4MATIC+ Coupe. Buyers spending six figures on a sleek, performance four-door aren’t usually prioritizing fuel savings. They’re buying explosive acceleration, a turbocharged engine with an electric motor, and striking looks. Fuel economy is a secondary concern, a figure tolerated for the overall experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the AMG GT 53 at 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the demands on the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine and 9-speed automatic transmission in different driving conditions. Stop-and-go city traffic increases fuel use. Consistent highway speeds allow the engine to operate more efficiently. The AMG GT 53 will use more gas than a regular car. Expect the highway number to decrease if you drive aggressively, as many owners will.

Annual fuel cost

Based on EPA estimates, the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 53 4MATIC+ is $2,650. This assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, calculated using the national average fuel price when this was assessed. This vehicle requires premium fuel for best performance, potentially increasing real-world costs based on fuel prices and driving habits. Drivers who accelerate quickly can expect to exceed this figure.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently achieve the EPA’s numbers if you drive the AMG GT 53 hard. Its 429 horsepower and AMG exhaust note are tempting. Frequent bursts of acceleration, especially in Sport+ mode, will quickly empty the fuel tank. Those who primarily use the car for short commutes or weekend drives will likely see numbers closer to the city estimate, or even lower. Careful driving on longer highway trips might approach 25 MPG, but requires consistent restraint.

How it compares

Compared to other performance four-door coupes, the AMG GT 53’s fuel economy is typical. The Porsche Panamera 4S, with its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, offers similar performance but gets a slightly better 24 MPG combined. The BMW M8 Gran Coupe, with a more powerful V8, manages about 17 MPG combined, showing the fuel economy tradeoff for more performance. For those seeking less gas, the Audi e-tron GT is an all-electric four-door coupe, but has charging and range compromises. For context, you can review all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The AMG GT 53 isn’t about fuel economy, but these techniques can help improve mileage. Using “Comfort” driving mode will soften throttle response and cause the transmission to upshift earlier, running the engine more efficiently. Resist the urge to constantly use the full power of the engine.

Carefully monitor tire pressure. Maintaining the recommended tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, which impacts fuel consumption. This is important on a performance vehicle like the AMG GT 53, where wider tires increase resistance.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes fuel. This habit can make a difference over time, especially in cities.

Reduce aerodynamic drag. Remove roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use. These increase wind resistance, making the engine work harder and consuming more fuel. They also hurt the vehicle’s sleek design and MPG performance. You can also compare the MPG across model lineups to other vehicles like the AMG MPG across all years.