The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic gets 19 MPG combined. No one buying a six-figure luxury sedan expects Prius-like efficiency. This car is built for effortless power, a supple ride, and surrounding occupants in an environment of exquisite materials and advanced technology. The fuel economy is simply a cost of admission and a footnote in the ownership experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the S550 4matic gets 16 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go driving, where the car’s weight and the engine’s displacement affect it. The highway figure makes more sense. The seven-speed automatic transmission allows the engine to cruise at relatively low RPMs at higher speeds. Drivers who spend more time on the open road will see fuel consumption closer to, or perhaps even slightly better than, the official estimates. Aggressive acceleration, even on the highway, will dramatically impact fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic is $3,050. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. The price of premium fuel will fluctuate, so this is an estimate. Individual driving habits will greatly influence the actual cost. Someone with a heavy foot or who exclusively drives in congested urban environments can expect to spend considerably more. Someone who primarily uses the car for long highway trips might spend less.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to duplicate the EPA numbers every time. The S550 4matic encourages a driving style that often prioritizes performance over economy. The 4.7L twin-turbo V8 produces 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive system provides tremendous grip and stability, allowing for confident acceleration in various conditions. In the real world, with varying traffic conditions and driver habits, expect the combined MPG to hover somewhere in the 17-21 MPG range. Driving it in the winter will decrease fuel economy numbers even from 17 MPG due to the use of winter tires with higher rolling resistance.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the S550 4matic is in the middle of the pack. The BMW 750i xDrive, with its 4.4L V8, achieves a near identical 16 MPG city / 25 MPG highway. The Audi A8 4.0T, which uses a similar-sized twin-turbo V8, is rated at 18 MPG city / 29 MPG highway. The Porsche Panamera 4S, while more of a sports sedan, offers slightly better fuel economy at 18 MPG city / 25 MPG highway, however, the current trims available on the market offer a greater range. These comparisons matter to the S550 buyer because they are likely cross-shopping these models, weighing performance, luxury, and brand cachet. Ultimately, the differences in fuel economy are unlikely to be a deciding factor, but they do contribute to the overall ownership calculation.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key for maximizing fuel efficiency in the S550 4matic. The twin-turbo V8 delivers immense power on demand. By avoiding aggressive throttle inputs, especially from a standstill, you can significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Maintain proper tire inflation. This luxury sedan with all-wheel drive, with its heavy curb weight, make high demands on its tires. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regularly check and maintain the recommended tire pressure to optimize efficiency.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying unnecessary items in the trunk or cabin adds weight to the car which will in turn make it harder to accelerate. Remove any items that aren’t needed to improve fuel economy, especially with the S550 4matic given its already considerable base weight.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes fluctuations in engine load, saving fuel. The S550 is designed for comfortable highway cruising, and cruise control is the perfect tool for maximizing efficiency during long drives. Alternatively, select “Eco” mode which adjusts the engine and transmission settings in hopes of improving fuel economy.

Consider all of the all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data to see how the S550’s MPG has changed, and make sure you’re comparing S550 MPG across all years to make the most informed comparisons.