19 MPG combined is the price of admission to the visceral thrills offered by the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 Convertible. If fuel economy is anywhere near the top of your priority list, this car isn’t for you. This is a machine engineered for a specific type of driver, one who prioritizes performance, sound, and open-air excitement above all else. They crave the immediacy of a hand-built V8 and the intoxicating rush of acceleration that pins you to the sculpted AMG seats. For those drivers, the fuel consumption is simply the cost of doing business.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the C63 Convertible achieves 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the realities of a high-performance engine coupled with a relatively heavy curb weight. Stop-and-go city driving punishes fuel economy, as the 4.0L V8 eagerly consumes fuel to deliver its prodigious power. On the open highway, however, the C63 can stretch its legs a bit, though maintaining a reasonable speed with the top down often becomes a challenge, the temptation to experience the full force of the engine is always present. The 7-speed automatic transmission is generally well-behaved, but don’t expect hypermiling efficiency when it’s connected to an engine with this much character.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 Convertible at $3,050. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of 55% city and 45% highway driving, and assumes current national average fuel prices. It’s important to remember that this is merely an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium is recommended, if not required), and local fuel prices. Those who enjoy the C63’s performance to its fullest extent will likely exceed this estimate.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy often deviates, especially in a performance car like this. Owners who predominantly drive in congested urban environments can easily see figures below the EPA’s 17 MPG city rating. Conversely, those who frequently embark on long highway cruises might achieve slightly better than the 22 MPG highway estimate, provided they resist the urge to frequently pass other cars in a blur of V8 sound. Ultimately, expect to average somewhere in the high teens, but be prepared for that number to fluctuate significantly depending on your driving style.

How it compares

The C63 Convertible exists in a niche market, targeting buyers who want uncompromising performance in an open-top package. The BMW M4 Convertible, for example, manages a slightly better 20 MPG combined with its turbocharged inline-six engine. And there’s the Audi RS5 Cabriolet, which delivers similar performance to the M4 and also boasts 20 MPG combined. The difference of 1 MPG may not seem significant on paper, but it can translate to real-world savings over time. Of course, the die-hard AMG enthusiast would argue these competitors simply can’t match the C63’s distinctive character and explosive power delivery. For drivers focused primarily on performance, you can also review AMG MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the C63 Convertible isn’t inherently fuel-efficient, there are a few techniques you can employ to minimize consumption. Use the car’s “Comfort” driving mode whenever possible. It softens throttle response and optimizes shift points for efficiency, helping to temper the engine’s eagerness. Avoid aggressive acceleration and abrupt braking, which needlessly wastes fuel.

Maintain proper tire inflation, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. Regularly check your tire pressures and inflate them to the recommended levels found on the doorjamb sticker. Also, minimize unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the load the engine has to carry, which increases fuel consumption.

Consider using cruise control on the highway, which helps maintain a steady speed and reduces throttle variations that can negatively impact fuel economy. Plan your routes strategically to avoid congested areas and traffic delays. Stop-and-go driving is a fuel economy killer, so choosing routes with fewer stops and smoother traffic flow can make a difference.

For more information on a related class of vehicles, feel free to read our all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data. And most importantly, avoid leaving the engine idling unnecessarily. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance, so turn off the engine when stopped for extended periods of time.

Ultimately, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 Convertible isn’t about maximizing MPG. It’s about experiencing driving at its most thrilling. However, by implementing these tips, you can at least mitigate some of the fuel consumption and enjoy more time behind the wheel between fill-ups.