17 MPG combined. Those three digits show the compromise of owning a 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupe with the 4.0L V8. It’s the price you pay for strong acceleration, handcrafted luxury, and head-turning style. This isn’t a car bought for saving gas; it’s a statement. A visceral experience delivered with a thunderous sound and a velvet interior. The fuel bill is simply part of what you pay for wanting performance above all else.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the AMG GT Coupe at 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s thirst during stop-and-go driving, made worse by its powerful engine and the temptation to hit the gas. The highway number is better, but still reveals that even at cruising speeds this hand-built powerplant needs premium gasoline. The automatic (AM7) transmission, while brilliantly engineered, doesn’t prioritize fuel efficiency above the quickness the AMG GT is known for.

Annual fuel cost

Based on the EPA’s estimates of 15,000 miles driven annually and national average fuel prices, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupe 4.0L 8-cyl will cost approximately $3,400 per year to fuel. This is how much money it takes to own this high-performance machine. It’s a calculation that factors in both city and highway driving, assuming a typical driving pattern. While expenses will vary depending on fuel prices and driving habits, the EPA’s estimate offers a baseline for understanding the running costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy for the AMG GT Coupe often changes. Driving hard, using the car’s performance features, and traffic can all negatively impact MPG. Owners who only use the car for weekend rides or short trips will likely see figures closer to the city estimate, or even lower.

But those who spend more time on the highway and drive in a more relaxed way might get numbers closer to, or slightly above, the EPA’s highway estimate. What you experience depends on several factors.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance coupes, the AMG GT’s fuel economy lands in the middle. The Porsche 911 Carrera S, for instance, gets a slightly better 20 MPG combined. The BMW M8 Competition Coupe, with its own twin-turbo V8, achieves around the same numbers as the AMG GT. An Audi R8 V10 does much worse at just 16 MPG combined. All these models are bought by drivers prioritizing the driving experience, and these minor differences in MPG are not as big of a deal than performance metrics such as horsepower, handling, and acceleration. Buyers considering all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data should weigh the compromises carefully.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the AMG GT Coupe is not designed for saving gas, owners can still take steps to improve their MPG. Smooth, controlled acceleration and consistent speeds can reduce fuel consumption. Avoid hard launches and braking, and drive responsibly.

Regular maintenance, including oil changes and tire pressure checks, ensures the engine operates well. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, while fresh, high-quality engine oil minimizes friction. Ignoring maintenance can lead to a gradual decline in fuel economy and performance.

When possible, use the car’s driving modes to save fuel. The “Comfort” or “Eco” mode (if equipped) changes the throttle and transmission to prioritize fuel over performance. This is helpful for everyday driving.

Minimize idling, especially in cold weather. Modern engines do not need long warm-up periods. Idling wastes fuel and increases emissions. Instead, begin driving gently after a brief warm-up.

Consider different driving routes to avoid stop-and-go traffic. Use routes with fewer intersections and more opportunities to maintain a consistent speed. While the AMG MPG across all years isn’t great, small changes can add up over time to noticeable savings.