22 MPG combined won’t win any fuel efficiency contests, but for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 4matic wagon, it’s an acceptable compromise. People who buy this vehicle don’t always want the best fuel efficiency. They want a spacious, luxurious wagon that handles well in all weather, performs decently, and has that Mercedes star on the hood. Practicality and prestige are more important, and fuel economy is a lower priority.

City and highway performance

The E350 wagon’s EPA ratings are 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These numbers show how the 3.5L V6 and the 7-speed automatic transmission perform in different conditions. Stop-and-go city driving makes the engine work harder, accelerating and decelerating often, which uses more fuel. The “4matic” all-wheel-drive system also adds weight and increases drivetrain friction, resulting in slightly lower city MPG. On the highway, the E350 is more relaxed, allowing the engine to operate efficiently. Use cruise control on long trips if you want to get that 26 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 4matic wagon at $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the national average fuel price at the time. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on how you drive, the kind of driving you do, and gasoline prices where you live. If you mainly drive short distances in the city, you might spend more. If you mainly drive highway miles, you might spend less.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a starting point, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Some E350 wagon owners say they get numbers close to the EPA estimates, and some even get better highway mileage on long trips. However, aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and heavy traffic will reduce fuel economy. Regular maintenance, like proper tire inflation and engine tuning, also helps keep efficiency high. The E350’s engine management system usually works well, but if you don’t maintain it, performance and MPG can slowly decrease.

How it compares

For wagons of similar size and equipment, the 2016 E350’s fuel economy is average. The Volvo V60 Cross Country, another wagon with all-wheel drive, gets about 25 MPG combined with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The BMW 328i xDrive wagon, with its turbo four, gets about 26 MPG combined. The Audi A4 allroad, also with a turbo four and Quattro all-wheel-drive, gets a similar rating. Most competing wagons use smaller, turbocharged engines to get slightly better fuel efficiency. However, many E350 buyers like the smooth and strong V6 engine that Mercedes offers. For other options within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, looking at E350 MPG across all years can be helpful.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid hard acceleration. The E350’s V6 engine is powerful, but flooring it from every stoplight wastes gas. Gently accelerate to let the transmission shift smoothly and keep the engine in its best RPM range.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressures often and inflate them to the recommended levels, shown on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Don’t idle unnecessarily. Modern engines use fuel even when stopped. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s better to turn off the engine.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control keeps a consistent speed, preventing unnecessary changes in throttle, which can improve fuel economy. Be careful on hills and change your speed to avoid frequent downshifts.

Follow the maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance keep the engine running well and efficiently. Neglecting these things can slowly reduce fuel economy. For more information, check out all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data.