20 MPG combined. That’s the figure you need to reconcile if you’re considering a 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 4matic. This isn’t a Prius, nor is it intended to be. This is an AMG-tuned, performance-oriented SUV that prioritizes spirited driving and a luxurious experience over outright fuel efficiency. The GLE43 delivers a unique blend of usability and performance that appeals to buyers who want practicality with a healthy dose of adrenaline.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the AMG GLE43 will achieve 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the trade-offs of a powerful, turbocharged engine paired with a relatively heavy vehicle. The city figure highlights the impact of stop-and-go traffic, where the engine spends more time idling or accelerating from a standstill. The highway figure, while better, still reflects the aerodynamic challenges presented by an SUV body shape, especially at higher speeds. It’s important to remember that aggressive driving habits will drop BOTH numbers considerably. If you are heavy on the gas pedal, this fuel economy will suffer.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43 is $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline, which this engine requires. It’s important to recognize that your actual fuel costs may vary significantly depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and local fuel prices. If you primarily drive in the city or have a lead foot, expect to spend considerably more than the EPA estimate. If you would like to compare this 2017 AMG GLE43 fuel economy to other models, check out all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. AMG cars are known for their performance and spirited driving experience, which often leads drivers to prioritize power over efficiency. Expect slightly lower MPG figures than the EPA estimates, especially with enthusiastic driving. Consider investing in a fuel tracking app and logging your miles to get a more precise sense of your personal fuel consumption. This helps with budgeting and can provide a useful warning sign if anything mechanical should start to degrade. Also, take a look at AMG MPG across all years, if you might consider an alternative model year.

How it compares

In the realm of performance SUVs, the 2017 AMG GLE43 is among competitors that prioritize power and luxury. For instance, the 2017 BMW X5 xDrive35i achieves around 20 MPG combined, while the more potent X5 M drops to around 16 MPG. The Audi SQ5, with its supercharged V6, is another strong competitor, often achieving slightly better real-world fuel economy than the GLE43, coming in around 21 MPG. These comparisons matter because buyers in this segment are often willing to make some fuel economy compromises for added performance and a premium driving experience, but that doesn’t mean efficiency is completely ignored.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the AMG GLE43 isn’t designed to be a fuel sipper, there are still ways to optimize your fuel economy. Avoid hard acceleration and brake smoothly. The 9-speed automatic transmission is designed to optimize fuel economy while cruising, so let it shift smoothly by easing up on the throttle.

Use the car’s driving modes. The “Comfort” mode will prioritize fuel efficiency by adjusting the engine mapping and transmission shift points. “Sport” and “Sport+” modes are fun, but will decimate fuel economy. Consider using Comfort mode for everyday driving and reserve the sportier modes for when you truly want to enjoy the AMG’s performance.

Proper tire inflation is critical for maximizing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended levels indicated on the door jamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel efficiency.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds weight, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Remove any items you don’t need and keep the cargo area relatively empty.

Consider combining trips and planning efficient routes. Short trips with cold starts consume significantly more fuel than longer, continuous journeys. Combining errands into a single trip and planning routes that minimize stop-and-go traffic can noticeably improve your MPG.