25 MPG combined is respectable for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 2.0L 4-cyl, especially considering that this car values luxury, comfort, and advanced technology over maximizing fuel efficiency. The E300 isn’t trying to match a Prius; it’s designed for drivers who want a premium experience and are willing to use a little more gas to get it. This E-Class offers refined motoring, and its fuel economy is adequate, if not the best in its class.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the E300 at 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects typical stop-and-go driving, where the engine idles and accelerates often. The 30 MPG highway rating is a benefit of the E300’s 9-speed automatic transmission and its efficient cruising at higher speeds. Owners will probably see the best fuel economy here, especially on longer trips. The 2.0L turbocharged engine provides enough power for merging and passing, never feeling strained, so you don’t have to push it hard and waste fuel. These numbers are in a sweet spot: better than larger engines but not as thrifty as some hybrid or diesel competitors.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 2.0L 4-cyl at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. The estimate is a useful benchmark for comparing the E300’s running costs to other vehicles. Drivers who exceed 15,000 miles annually will spend more, and changing gas prices will affect the actual cost. The E300 doesn’t require premium fuel, but using it might slightly improve performance and fuel economy, although the higher cost could negate any savings. To see how this affects your finances, compare this to all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data over the years.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a helpful comparison, but real-world fuel economy varies depending on driving habits, traffic, and weather. Hard acceleration, frequent braking, and heavy traffic will all lower fuel economy. Smooth driving, consistent speeds, and good weather can improve it. Many E300 owners report numbers close to the EPA estimates, especially on long highway trips. For those who commute in congested areas, the city MPG figure will likely be more accurate. Tracking your fuel consumption can highlight your driving patterns and how they affect your E300’s fuel economy. You can also track E300 MPG across all years to compare against your own numbers.

How it compares

The 2017 E300’s fuel economy is competitive compared to its competitors, but not exceptional. For example, the 2017 BMW 530i, with a similar 2.0L turbocharged engine, gets nearly 27 MPG combined. The Lexus ES 350, with its larger V6 engine, delivers about 24 MPG combined. The Audi A6 2.0T Quattro gets about 25 MPG combined, with all-wheel drive. These small differences aren’t the main factor in choosing the E300. Its appeal is in its refinement, advanced technology, and the Mercedes-Benz brand. Buyers might choose the hybrid versions of competitors for better MPG, or prioritize features that Mercedes excels at. It’s about more than what’s on the sticker.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive smoothly and consistently. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, which use excess fuel. Anticipating traffic and maintaining a steady pace will improve your MPG.

Keep the car’s tires properly inflated. This optimizes efficiency.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes fuel. The E300’s start/stop technology helps with this, but can be disabled for more comfort on some drives.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove items from the trunk or backseat that you don’t need. Extra weight increases the engine’s workload and decreases fuel economy.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control maintains a consistent speed, which reduces fuel consumption. The E300’s cruise control system adjusts speed automatically to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

Consider using the ECO driving mode. This mode adjusts the engine and transmission to prioritize fuel efficiency. It might slightly reduce performance, but can save gas.