The 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance 2.0L 4-cyl achieves a combined 20 MPG, a number that might seem unremarkable for a compact luxury sedan, and perhaps even concerning for a vehicle using a turbocharged engine with electric motor. This isn’t just any C-Class; it’s an AMG C63 S. This figure doesn’t represent an attempt at segment-leading efficiency, but rather the surprisingly contained thirst of a 671-horsepower luxury missile. Mercedes-AMG has integrated a highly advanced plug-in hybrid system with a potent, F1-derived four-cylinder engine. Buyers drawn to the C63 S E Performance aren’t prioritizing hypermiling runs; they’re enthusiasts seeking blistering acceleration, track-capable dynamics, and the visceral thrill that only a truly unhinged AMG can deliver, all while appreciating that it sips fuel considerably less than its V8-powered predecessors when simply cruising.

City and highway performance

Breaking down the EPA figures, the 2025 AMG C63 S E Performance manages 19 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The marginal difference between city and highway driving is noteworthy for a performance vehicle. The advanced hybrid system truly earns its keep in urban environments, allowing for significant periods of all-electric locomotion at lower speeds and offering regenerative braking to replenish the battery. This means that while stationary in traffic or navigating dense city streets, the C63 S E Performance can operate with zero local emissions and silent electric propulsion, significantly improving its apparent efficiency compared to a combustion-only equivalent. On the highway, the four-cylinder engine and the electric motor work in tandem, optimized for cruising. The 9-speed automatic transmission ensures the engine stays in its most efficient powerband, and the electric assist fills in torque gaps, reducing the need for downshifts and maintaining momentum with less effort. Considering the sheer power on tap, 22 MPG on the open road is genuinely impressive, reflecting the engineering effort to balance outrageous performance with a degree of everyday sensibility.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S E Performance 2.0L 4-cyl comes in at $2,900 per year. This figure is based on a calculation assuming 15,000 miles of driving per year, split between city and highway, and using national average fuel prices. For a performance vehicle with supercar-baiting power figures, this annual expenditure is remarkably palatable. Prospective owners will appreciate that while the C63 S E Performance demands a premium in its purchase price, its running costs for fuel are nowhere near what one might expect from a 671-horsepower machine. This annual cost serves as a clear indication that AMG has successfully leveraged hybridization not just for performance, but also to bring a degree of practical economy to their top-tier compact sedan, making it less punishing at the pump during daily commutes than previous iterations or some competitors.

Real-world expectations

In the real world, the 20 MPG combined figure for the AMG C63 S E Performance is a good baseline, but actual mileage will heavily depend on driver behavior. This is a car designed to be provoked, and frequent dips into its colossal power reserves will naturally see the fuel economy plummet from the EPA ratings. Engage “Race” mode, keep your foot planted, and listen to that 2.0L four-cylinder howl as the electric motor dumps its full torque, and you’ll burn through fuel significantly faster. Conversely, for a judicious driver who takes advantage of the plug-in hybrid’s electric-only range (which Mercedes-AMG claims to be up to 8 miles) for short commutes or city driving, and who drives with a lighter foot, achieving or even exceeding the 20 MPG combined is entirely feasible. The key is understanding that the “E Performance” isn’t a mere marketing tag; it’s an invitation to drive electrically when possible and unleash hell when desired. This duality is what truly defines the ownership experience and ultimately dictates real-world fuel consumption for AMG MPG across all years.

How it compares

When stacked against its primary rivals, the 2025 C63 S E Performance occupies a unique space. Consider the BMW M3 Competition, for example, which with its twin-turbo 3.0L inline-six, delivers a combined 18 MPG (16 City / 23 Highway). While the M3 offers a similar performance envelope, it lacks any hybridization, making it less efficient in city driving where the C63 S E Performance can use its electric motor. Audi’s RS 5 Sportback, another direct competitor, also relies solely on a twin-turbo 2.9L V6, achieving 18 MPG combined (18 City / 25 Highway). Here again, the C63 S E Performance shows its advantage in city efficiency due to its hybrid system. The C63 S E Performance truly stands out because of its ability to offer significantly more power than its direct rivals, 671 hp versus the M3 Competition’s 503 hp or the RS 5 Sportback’s 444 hp, while still maintaining a competitive, and in some cases superior, combined fuel economy figure. This demonstrates that AMG has not only advanced performance but also efficiency, bridging a gap that few others in this segment have managed. For those considering all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data, this particular AMG variant offers an intriguing blend.

Tips to maximize efficiency

To truly make the most of the C63 S E Performance’s fuel economy potential, prioritize charging the battery whenever possible. Keeping it topped off allows for maximum electric-only driving time, especially for short city commutes where the car performs most efficiently on electric power.

Employing a smooth driving style will also significantly impact your mileage. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking not only consume more fuel but also diminish the vehicle’s ability to regenerate energy effectively. Gentle inputs allow the hybrid system to operate optimally.

Use the various drive modes intelligently. While “Race” mode is exhilarating, “Comfort” or “Electric” modes are designed for efficiency. Selecting the appropriate mode for your driving conditions will ensure the powertrain operates in its most economical setting.

Regular maintenance, including proper tire inflation and timely service intervals, is critical. A well-maintained engine and drivetrain run more efficiently, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption and ensuring all systems are operating as intended.