16 MPG combined is not a typo. That’s the official EPA fuel economy figure for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe, a twin-turbocharged V12 that has a lot of power. It’s a number that would be disqualifying for nearly any other vehicle in its class, but for the S65 AMG Coupe, it’s practically irrelevant. This is a car bought by individuals who value unparalleled power, handcrafted luxury, and exclusivity far above the mundane concerns of fuel efficiency. They aren’t cross-shopping this with a Prius, and they certainly aren’t losing sleep over the cost of premium unleaded.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the S65 AMG Coupe will achieve 13 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. Consider the context: this is a hand-built 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. It propels a car weighing over 4,800 pounds to 60 mph in under four seconds. Puttering around town in stop-and-go traffic is where the S65 AMG Coupe will see its worst fuel economy, as all that mass requires significant energy to repeatedly accelerate. Conversely, highway cruising allows the engine to settle into its powerband, minimizing the need for constant boost and resulting in a (relatively) less painful experience at the pump. Still, 21 MPG is optimistic – lead-footed owners will struggle to achieve that number on the open road.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe at $3,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average price of premium gasoline. In reality, many S65 AMG Coupe owners likely drive fewer than 15,000 miles per year, and those living in areas with higher fuel prices will see that number climb even higher. While $3,600 might seem astronomical to most vehicle owners, it represents a small fraction of the overall cost of ownership for a car with a six-figure price tag.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently achieve the EPA’s numbers in real-world driving. The S65 AMG Coupe’s prodigious power is intoxicating, and it’s almost impossible to resist exploring the engine’s full potential. The combination of urban congestion, aggressive driving, and the car’s heavy curb weight will likely result in average fuel economy closer to 14-15 MPG. Those who appreciate the sound and feel of a V12 and consistently use the car’s performance will find the S65 S65 MPG across all years closer to 11 MPG.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance luxury coupes, the S65 AMG Coupe sits at the bottom of the fuel economy barrel. The V8-powered S63 AMG Coupe, for example, achieves 17 MPG combined. Even Bentley’s Continental GT, with its W12 engine, manages marginally better fuel economy at 15 MPG city/ 25 MPG highway. The Aston Martin DB11 V12 lands near the 18 MPG combined figure, too. Ultimately, the S65 AMG Coupe’s poor fuel economy is a consequence of its engine choice. Customers looking for better fuel economy can look at other high-performance coupes but they’ll likely be sacrificing the sound, feel, and presence of a V12 engine.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The S65 AMG Coupe isn’t designed with fuel efficiency in mind, but there are a few things you can do to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid hard acceleration and braking, as the engine consumes excessive fuel when rapidly changing speed. Use the car’s drive modes judiciously, selecting “Comfort” mode will temper the engine’s response, leading to slightly improved fuel economy at the expense of overall performance.

Ensure the tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended levels to improve fuel economy and handling.

Consider the route you take. Avoiding stop-and-go traffic and choosing routes with fewer hills can minimize fuel consumption. Highway driving is generally more efficient than city driving, so opt for longer routes with fewer stops if possible.

Remove any unnecessary weight from the car. Carrying extra weight increases the amount of energy required to accelerate and maintain speed. Removing items you don’t need from the trunk and passenger compartment can slightly improve fuel economy.

Finally, keep up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine is a more efficient engine. Changing the oil, air filter, and spark plugs according to the manufacturer’s recommendations can ensure optimal performance and fuel economy across all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data.