The 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S Convertible, with its snarling 4.0L V8, gets an EPA fuel economy rating of 19 MPG combined. Let’s be clear: Nobody buys this car for its fuel efficiency; they buy it for the intoxicating roar of the hand-built engine, the wind-in-your-hair experience, and the sheer thrill of piloting a German muscle car. The fuel bill is simply the price of admission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the C63 S Convertible will achieve 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the big V8 spends more time idling or accelerating from a standstill. The highway rating is more palatable, as the engine settles into a more efficient cruising speed. However, even on the open road, a heavy right foot will quickly diminish the highway efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,050 for the C63 S Convertible. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits and local fuel prices. The C63 demands premium fuel, which can easily add to the cost compared to other gasoline grades.

Real-world expectations

Expect the fuel economy of the C63 S Convertible to vary significantly depending on how you drive it. Gentle highway cruising might get you close to the EPA’s 24 MPG, but spirited driving, which is almost unavoidable in this car, will see that number plummet. In mixed driving, most owners will likely average around 17-20 MPG. If you frequently indulge in the car’s performance potential, expect even lower figures, perhaps in the low teens. As you explore AMG MPG across all years, keep in mind that results are going to vary.

How it compares

The C63 S’s fuel economy is comparable to other high-performance convertibles. The BMW M4 Competition Convertible, producing similar power from its turbocharged inline-six, achieves an EPA-estimated 16 MPG city, 23 MPG highway, and 19 MPG combined, which is nearly identical. The Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, while offering a slightly different driving experience, manages a comparable 18 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined. These numbers are hardly a surprise for performance vehicles, and looking at all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data allows you to compare models across the line. Buyers in this segment prioritize performance and driving pleasure over ultimate fuel efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the C63 S Convertible is not inherently fuel-efficient, there are several strategies to minimize fuel consumption. Resisting the temptation to floor the accelerator at every opportunity is the first. Smooth, steady acceleration will consume less fuel than aggressive bursts of speed.

Use the car’s driving modes to your advantage. Comfort mode will dull the throttle response and encourage earlier upshifts, promoting better fuel economy. Sport and Sport+ modes, while exhilarating, should be reserved for when you truly want to unleash the car’s performance capabilities, not for everyday driving.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and maintain them at the recommended levels specified on the doorjamb sticker.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle for extended periods consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s best to turn off the engine.

Regular maintenance is always important. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections.