19 MPG combined is what you get with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S Coupe. No one buys this car worrying about fuel bills. Its purpose is not to save fuel, but to provide a thrilling, high-performance driving experience. This car is built for thrill-seekers who prioritize strong engines and precise handling over saving money at the gas station.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the AMG C63 S Coupe gets 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving conditions in urban areas, where the engine is often idling or accelerating from a stop. The 23 MPG highway figure is possible when cruising at a steady speed, but aggressive driving or frequent acceleration will reduce it quickly. The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 is very responsive, but its performance requires premium fuel. The 7-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly, but even in its most efficient settings, the engine’s power requires significant fuel.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S Coupe to be $3,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel price at the time. Fuel prices change, so your actual fuel costs may be different. This estimate assumes the vehicle needs premium gasoline, which is typically more expensive.

Real-World Expectations

The EPA provides an estimate, but real-world fuel economy changes based on driving habits, road conditions, and weather. Drivers who accelerate quickly and drive aggressively will likely see lower fuel economy than the EPA estimates. Conversely, drivers who use a more conservative driving style, using cruise control on the highway and avoiding fast acceleration, might get numbers closer to the EPA’s highway estimate. This is an AMG and resisting the urge to use its performance is a challenge.

How It Compares

The BMW M4 Competition, a direct competitor to the C63 S Coupe, achieves an EPA-rated 18 MPG combined, 16 MPG city, and 23 MPG highway. The Audi RS5 Coupe, another performance competitor, gets 20 MPG combined, 17 MPG city, and 26 MPG highway. The Cadillac ATS-V Coupe, now discontinued but still often considered, achieves a similar 19 MPG combined. The C63 S Coupe isn’t the most fuel-efficient, but it’s within the expected range for high-performance coupes. The differences are often small in real-world use, but buyers should explore all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data when deciding which vehicle is best. Fuel economy is often less important than performance for buyers considering the C63 S Coupe. Many AMG buyers also want AMG MPG across all years to compare vehicles.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Use the “Comfort” driving mode. It won’t make the C63 S Coupe a Prius, but this mode softens throttle response and shifts earlier, promoting more fuel-efficient driving during commutes. Keeping the car in “Sport” or “Sport+” mode will drastically increase fuel consumption.

Keep a consistent speed on the highway when possible. Use cruise control to avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which impacts fuel economy. Anticipate traffic and avoid abrupt braking, letting the car coast when safe.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb. Given the strong power delivery of the C63 S, maintaining optimal tire pressure is also essential for safety and handling.

Reduce weight in the vehicle. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk or backseat, as added weight increases fuel consumption. Every extra pound decreases efficiency, especially during acceleration and hill climbing.