16 MPG combined isn’t going to win any eco-car awards, but it’s also utterly irrelevant to the clientele considering a 2017 Mercedes-Benz S600. This isn’t transportation; it’s an experience. It’s about effortless power, unmatched luxury, and a statement of success. Fuel economy is a distant thought for someone who prioritizes the opulent isolation offered by the S600, a rolling vault powered by a smooth V12 engine.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the S600 achieves 13 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the reality of stop-and-go traffic, where the S600’s considerable weight and the V12’s displacement take their toll. The highway number, however, is more palatable. The 7-speed automatic transmission allows the engine to cruise at relatively low RPMs, contributing to the improved fuel efficiency. But really, focus on the engine’s 0-60 time of just over four seconds, not its fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S600 at $3,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price for premium gasoline at the time the EPA testing was conducted. Understand that $3,600 is an *estimate*. Real-world annual fuel expenses will vary based on driving habits, local fuel costs, and how frequently the car is driven.

Real-world expectations

Do not expect to consistently achieve EPA numbers in the real world. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and extended idling, all common occurrences in the S600’s likely urban environment, will negatively impact fuel economy. Expect the city MPG to hover closer to 10-11 MPG in demanding conditions. Highway MPG will be more consistent, but even then, spirited driving or higher speeds will reduce it. The S600 is often chauffeur-driven or used for executive transport, where fuel efficiency isn’t the primary concern. Its smooth power delivery and quiet cabin trump any need to hypermile.

How it compares

Compared to other vehicles occupying this rarified air, the S600’s fuel economy is roughly in line with expectations. The BMW M760i xDrive, another V12-powered sedan, achieves a similar 13 city / 20 highway MPG. The now-discontinued Audi A8L W12 offered comparable figures as well. A key competitor is really the S550 (or S560) model with a V8 engine which offers closer to 17 city and 27 highway MPG, but lacks the sheer prestige of the V12. The Bentley Flying Spur, another contender in this segment, reports much lower numbers of 12 city and 19 highway MPG. For all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data, check out all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data. Or, see S600 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Despite the relative unimportance of fuel economy to the S600 owner, there are steps to minimize fuel consumption. Proper tire inflation is critical. Maintaining the correct pressure reduces rolling resistance and improves both fuel economy and tire life. The recommended tire pressure can typically be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The S600’s V12 delivers ample power, making it tempting to unleash its full potential. However, smooth and gradual acceleration consumes significantly less fuel. Anticipate traffic conditions to minimize hard braking, allowing the car to coast whenever possible.

Limit idling time. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. The S600 offers a refined driving experience at any speed; resist the urge the let it sit and idle.

Use premium fuel. The S600’s engine is designed to run on premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using lower-octane fuel can reduce performance and, in some cases, damage the engine. It can also negatively affect fuel economy, negating any potential cost savings.

Keep the car well-maintained. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups, ensures that the engine is running efficiently. A neglected engine will consume more fuel and produce more emissions. Do not let maintenance items slide. The S600 has complex systems that benefit from dealer-level knowledge.