The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 4Matic, with its 4.7L 8-cylinder engine, gets 15 MPG combined. This is the cost for seven-passenger luxury and strong V8 power. It’s a status symbol, a family hauler, and a long-distance cruiser. Owners value space, comfort, and capability more than fuel efficiency. They accept the need for a substantial engine and all-wheel-drive.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the GL550 4Matic at 13 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows the effect of urban driving. The 4.7-liter V8 must repeatedly accelerate the GL’s weight from a stop. The highway number shows the engine’s relaxed cruising at steady speeds. The 7-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly upshifts to lower engine RPMs. However, physics and a thirsty engine make fuel efficiency difficult.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL550 4Matic at $3,850. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation uses national average fuel prices, which will vary. This highlights the expense of owning a high-performance, full-size SUV like the GL550. Owners should watch fuel prices and adjust driving habits to save money.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy for the GL550 4Matic will vary with driving style, terrain, and load. Quick acceleration, short trips, or heavy loads will hurt fuel mileage. However, slow acceleration and steady highway speeds will improve it. Some drivers may get close to the EPA estimates. Others may consistently get less efficiency. If fuel efficiency is a concern, study all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data, and perhaps reconsider your needs.

How it compares

The GL550 is among other large, powerful SUVs. The BMW X5 xDrive50i, with a similar V8 engine, gets a slightly better 17 MPG combined. The Cadillac Escalade, which has more cargo space, gets a dismal 17 MPG combined with its 6.2-liter V8. The Lexus LX 570 has a 5.7-liter V8 and returns only 14 MPG combined. The GL550’s fuel economy is typical for this class. As buyers review GL550 MPG across all years, they weigh this data. The GL550’s slight lead in combined rating may appeal to some families.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid quick acceleration and braking. The GL550’s powerful engine can tempt drivers to accelerate quickly. This uses a lot of fuel. Smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic save fuel and reduce brake wear.

Keep tires properly inflated. Correctly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance. This improves fuel economy. Check your tire pressure and inflate tires to the recommended pressure on the door jamb sticker. This simple task can improve fuel mileage.

Reduce idling. Idling wastes fuel. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles start quickly, so there’s little reason to idle unnecessarily.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control maintains a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long drives. However, don’t use it on hills, since the vehicle may downshift often, wasting any fuel saved.

Maintain the vehicle. A well-maintained engine is more efficient. Follow the maintenance schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements. Fixing problems early prevents fuel economy issues.