The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 4matic gets 19 MPG combined, which won’t break any fuel economy records, but that’s probably fine with its target buyer. This car isn’t about frugality. It’s about making a statement with a luxurious and powerful four-door coupe that puts looks and performance before fuel efficiency. A CLS550 buyer is likely more interested in enjoying the V8 engine’s power and the comfortable ride. Fuel costs matter, but aren’t the main concern. They’re paying extra for the driving experience. It’s part of what you expect when joining this exclusive group.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the CLS550 4matic gets 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The difference shows how the 4.7-liter V8 works in different conditions. When driving in stop-and-go city traffic, you have to speed up from a stop often, which puts more strain on the engine and lowers fuel efficiency. On the highway, the engine can run more efficiently, using the seven-speed automatic transmission to keep the RPMs low at higher speeds. These numbers show what the car will likely get in normal usage, with different driving styles and traffic amounts. A heavy foot will lower those numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 4matic is $3,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline. Premium fuel is recommended for the CLS550’s best performance. This cost is noticeable, and buyers should include it in their budget, along with insurance, maintenance, and other costs. Knowing how this number is figured out gives context. Your actual fuel spending may change based on your driving and local fuel prices, but the $3,050 estimate is a standard way to compare running costs between vehicles.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard fuel economy estimate, but real-world MPG can change a lot based on driving style, traffic, and even tire pressure. Drivers who speed up quickly or spend a lot of time in traffic should expect lower MPG than the EPA estimates. But those who mainly drive on the highway at normal speeds with a light foot might get slightly better MPG. The aggressive style and powerful engine encourage enthusiastic driving, so consistently getting the EPA numbers may require effort. Check the CLS550 MPG across all years to see how different model years compare.

How it compares

The 2015 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe, a direct competitor to the CLS550, has similar performance and luxury but a slightly better EPA rating of 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway (22 MPG combined), though even this small improvement raises the used market price. The Audi A7 with its supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is more fuel-efficient at 20 MPG city and 30 MPG highway (24 MPG combined) but doesn’t have the CLS’s V8 power. Choosing between these cars often depends on preferences: fuel costs versus power and the Mercedes-Benz brand. Comparing all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data can help show where the CLS550 fits in the brand’s lineup. The Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid had much better MPG, but it cost more and has a more complex hybrid system.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid speeding up quickly and braking hard. The CLS550’s V8 has a lot of power, but too much will empty the fuel tank fast. Accelerate smoothly and predict traffic to lower fuel use. Drive more calmly.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the right pressure, found on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel efficiency. Regularly checking and keeping proper tire pressure is an easy way to get more miles per gallon.

Don’t idle for long. If you’re stopped for over a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly and efficiently, and idling less can save a lot of fuel. This is especially true in cities with many stoplights.

Use cruise control on the highway when possible. Keeping a steady speed helps fuel efficiency. Adaptive cruise control can help even more by automatically changing your speed to stay a safe distance from other cars.

Keep up with regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently for better fuel economy. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule is important for owning a car responsibly and helps make sure it runs well and lasts longer.