The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG Coupe gets 20 MPG combined. It’s not trying to be a Prius. It’s a style statement on a performance chassis, something different from the ordinary. Buyers know the sloping roofline and muscular stance has a cost, and fuel efficiency suffers for design and driving pleasure. They care less about maximum miles per gallon and care more about making an entrance.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the GLE450 AMG Coupe achieves 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. In city driving, all that stopping and starting means the 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine uses more fuel when accelerating and idling. The highway number is better. The smooth 9-speed automatic transmission finds a more efficient gear, and the engine works in its best range for cruising. But even the highway number can be misleading; with so much power, it’s tempting to hit the gas, which quickly drops those numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG Coupe at $2,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and the national average fuel price. Keep in mind this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on how you drive, the fuel you use, and local fuel prices, which can shift a lot. Driving hard and using premium fuel make those costs rise.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy can be different. GLE450 AMG Coupe owners report various MPG numbers, and many see slightly lower combined MPG than the EPA estimate. The car is performance-focused and relatively heavy, so getting the advertised MPG means driving carefully. If you often drive fast, face heavy traffic, or mostly drive in the city, expect numbers on the lower end. See GLE450 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG Coupe’s fuel economy is similar to other performance SUVs and coupes. For example, the BMW X6 xDrive35i, a direct competitor, gets about 18 MPG combined. The Porsche Cayenne S Coupe, with a similar engine, gets around 19 MPG combined. Even the Audi Q8 gets only around 19 MPG combined. The target customer usually values performance and styling more than saving gas.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The GLE450 AMG Coupe is made for performance, but you can still improve miles per gallon. Don’t always use all that engine power. Smooth acceleration and steady speeds give better fuel economy than quick starts and stops. The car has driving modes; “Comfort” or “Eco” modes will change the throttle and shift points to save fuel.

Regular maintenance is critical for the best fuel economy. Keep the tires inflated and the engine serviced, including oil changes and air filter replacements. With a well-maintained engine operates, fuel combustion is better, and less energy is wasted. Dirty air filters and low tire pressure can reduce fuel efficiency. Even one or two MPG matters.

Reduce extra weight. Take heavy, unneeded items out of the trunk or cargo area. Extra weight makes the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Even small weight reductions can add up to better fuel economy.

Plan routes to avoid traffic. Navigation apps can find the best routes and avoid busy areas. Steady speed on clear roads uses less fuel than accelerating and braking in traffic. Explore all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data.