15 MPG combined sits at the very bottom of the fuel economy spectrum, a stark number that underscores the sheer opulence and performance of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S 600. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for its frugality; it’s acquired by those who prioritize unparalleled luxury, a smooth ride, and relentless power over even the slightest concern for fuel bills. Those who sign on the dotted line for a Maybach S 600 are buying an experience, an environment, and they understand, and accept, the trade-offs that come with it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 13 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway paint a reasonably straightforward picture. The city figure reflects the toll that stop-and-go traffic, the Maybach’s considerable mass, and the inherent inefficiencies of a large displacement engine take on fuel consumption. On the open road, at a steady cruise, the S 600 performs a little better, but even 20 MPG is a reminder that there’s a 6.0-liter, twelve-cylinder engine working hard under the hood. This isn’t a hybrid, nor does it pretend to be. Its mission is effortless power delivery and supreme comfort, and the fuel economy is simply a byproduct of achieving those goals.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,850 for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S 600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a presumed mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average price for premium fuel (required for optimal performance). It’s a substantial sum, without question, and a figure that would give pause to most car buyers. But for the Maybach S 600 owner, this cost is largely immaterial. They are paying for exclusivity and a very particular kind of driving experience, and the cost of fueling that experience is a secondary consideration.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, expect real-world fuel economy to vary depending on driving habits and conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and heavy city traffic will likely result in figures below the EPA estimates. Conversely, gentle driving, long highway stretches, and careful anticipation of traffic flow could yield slightly better results. However, even under ideal conditions, extracting significantly better fuel economy from a V12-powered Maybach is unlikely. Check out MAYBACH MPG across all years to see if newer model years offer even slight improvements.

How it compares

It’s difficult to directly compare the Maybach S 600 to other vehicles, as its unique blend of luxury and performance occupies a fairly exclusive niche. However, contrasting it with other high-performance luxury sedans offers some perspective. For example, the 2016 Bentley Flying Spur V8 achieves around 16 MPG combined. A comparably sized V8 BMW 7-Series, though not directly competitive in terms of features and design, reaches the low-to-mid 20s for combined MPG. The Rolls-Royce Ghost, arguably the Maybach’s closest rival, scores similar to worse fuel economy estimates. The point of these comparisons is not to highlight efficiency savings, but to illustrate that the Maybach’s fuel consumption aligns with its segment. Those cross-shopping this ultra-luxury bracket are least concerned with saving money at the pump.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While maximizing fuel economy might not be the primary concern of a Maybach S 600 owner, there are still steps that can be taken to minimize fuel consumption. Gentle acceleration and smooth braking are critical. The Maybach S 600 is equipped with advanced driving aids that can help maintain a consistent speed and optimize fuel use on the highway.

Regular maintenance is key. Ensure that the engine is properly tuned, the tires are correctly inflated, and the air filter is clean. A well-maintained engine is an efficient engine, and the Maybach’s complex powertrain benefits significantly from diligent servicing schedule compliance.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Modern engines are designed to be turned off when stopped for more than a few seconds, and restarting them consumes less fuel than prolonged idling. This is even more critical with a large displacement engine like the Maybach’s V12.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoiding congested areas and opting for routes with fewer stops and starts can improve fuel economy. The Maybach’s navigation system can help you identify the most efficient routes.

Finally, consider the weight you’re carrying. While one probably isn’t driving a Maybach for cargo hauling, removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle’s trunk can reduce the load on the engine and improve fuel efficiency, even incrementally. For more data, explore all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data.