17 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but it is what you can expect if you want the raw power of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, a car made for customers who value performance and exclusivity, and understand the costs. For them, the SL65 AMG is a statement.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the SL65 AMG’s city fuel economy at 14 MPG and highway performance at 21 MPG. Realistically, in city driving, especially if you’re tempted to use the twin-turbo V12, even 14 MPG is optimistic. Highway numbers are more attainable if you drive calmly, but a heavy foot will quickly lower that figure. This car is great on open roads, but its fuel consumption reflects its performance potential.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG at $3,400 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. This is only an estimate. If you drive more aggressively, drive more miles, or if prices are higher in your area, you can expect to pay more. The $3,400 annual fuel cost is a baseline and shows the financial commitment needed to run a V12-powered AMG.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA estimates if you want to see the SL65 AMG’s full potential. Real-world fuel economy will probably be lower, especially if you use the car’s acceleration. This car is about thrilling performance. If you’re trying to maximize every drop of fuel, this is the wrong choice. The SL65 owner understands the fuel consumption. They aren’t trying to hypermile; they’re enjoying the ride.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance roadsters, the SL65 AMG’s fuel economy sits where you might expect. The BMW M6 Convertible, with its V8 engine, manages around 16 MPG combined. The Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet can achieve slightly better numbers, around 19 MPG combined, thanks to its technology and smaller engine. Even all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data reveals that the SL65 sits on the high end of fuel consumption. The other cars don’t offer the same thrust of the V12 AMG. The buyer considering an SL65 might cross-shop these alternatives, but the SL65’s character and performance outweigh any moderate fuel efficiency differences.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Fuel efficiency might not be the priority, but you can still help slowly improve gas mileage. Gentle acceleration is key. The twin-turbo V12 can deliver power with moderate throttle, so avoid flooring it. Learn to control the throttle to maintain momentum without triggering the turbos.

Regular maintenance is also critical. Scheduled maintenance makes sure that the engine is running as it should, which can help fuel economy. Keep the tires inflated to their recommended pressure. Low tire pressure raises rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency.

Plan your trips. Combining errands into a continuous trip, rather than short trips, allows the engine to operate at its optimal temperature longer. This minimizes the fuel wasted during the warm-up.

Use the car’s driving modes. If you can, select a more conservative driving mode. This will remap the throttle response and shift points, reducing the engine’s output and helping smoother driving. The SL65 MPG across all years is consistently low, so it is important to understand this.