The 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG E43 4matic gets a combined fuel economy of 21 MPG. It’s not exactly a Prius, but this number shows a key trade-off in the E43: performance comes first, with a focus on fast acceleration and fun driving over getting the best gas mileage. This isn’t a car bought to save money on fuel. It’s for the driver who wants a powerful engine, advanced technology, and the status of the AMG badge, while still having a practical sedan for everyday use.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the AMG E43 4matic will get 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. These numbers show the car’s two sides. In cities, stopping and starting a lot will use more fuel. The turbocharged 3.0L V6, while efficient for the power it makes, still needs fuel to give its trademark burst of torque. But on the highway, the nine-speed automatic lets the engine run at lower RPMs, helping it get better MPG. These numbers assume you drive fairly gently; using the engine’s full power will lower the actual MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG E43 4matic is $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles a year and using the national average fuel price at the time, which can change a lot. The calculation also assumes you split your driving evenly between city and highway. Like any fuel economy estimate, your own driving and local fuel prices can change the actual cost. If you drive harder or spend most of your time in heavy traffic, expect to pay more than $2,750 for fuel.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard for comparison, but real-world fuel economy often differs. The AMG E43 encourages fast driving. It’s always tempting to use the available power, and doing so will use more gas. Owners who care more about performance than efficiency may average closer to the city MPG, especially if they drive in heavy traffic and make frequent short trips. On the other hand, those who drive more calmly on long highway trips can see numbers close to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s 25 MPG estimate. Access all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data to compare.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the AMG E43 should be considered along with its competitors and its performance. The 2017 BMW 540i xDrive, a close competitor with a similar turbocharged 3.0L inline-six, is rated at 23 MPG combined, which is slightly better. The Audi S6, with a stronger 4.0L V8, gets around 21 MPG combined, showing the balance between power and fuel use. The Porsche Panamera 4S, another performance car, gets around 22 MPG combined. Understanding AMG MPG across all years can assist in determining typical values.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the car’s drive mode selector. Comfort mode focuses on efficiency by changing how the throttle responds and when the transmission shifts, leading to more relaxed driving.

Sport and Sport+ modes boost performance, but also increase fuel use a lot.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires with low pressure increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and keep them at the recommended level, shown on a sticker inside the driver’s door.

Avoid idling. Modern engines start up efficiently. Idling for a long time wastes fuel. Turn off the engine if you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two.

Accelerate smoothly. Avoid quick starts and hard braking. Instead, accelerate smoothly and keep a steady speed when you can. Watch the traffic to avoid accelerating and slowing down too much.

Consider cruise control on highway drives. Keeping a constant speed can improve fuel economy on long trips, especially on flat roads.