16 MPG combined. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S650 6.0L 12-cyl is purchased by people who value opulent comfort, unparalleled smoothness, and the effortless power of a twin-turbocharged V12 engine. Fuel economy is a tertiary concern, an accepted cost of entry into a world of motoring few will ever experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Maybach S650 are 13 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These numbers represent a large displacement engine working had to move a car that’s stretched significantly beyond the standard S-Class sedan. The twelve cylinders are kept busy, especially in urban environments, contributing to the lower city figure. While 21 MPG on the highway is respectable for an engine of this size, the Maybach consumes a considerable amount of fuel relative to smaller, more efficient vehicles, even at cruising speeds. The engine is still using a lot of gasoline. But with near-silent operation and a quiet ride, fuel consumption is the last thing on the driver’s mind.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Maybach S650 is $3,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Think of this as a baseline. Those who frequently use the Maybach’s power or spend a larger proportion of their time in stop-and-go traffic should expect to exceed that figure noticeably. For those who can afford the Maybach’s initial purchase price, the added expense of fuel is unlikely to register as a constraint.

Real-world expectations

Most Maybach S650 owners won’t achieve the EPA’s numbers with any regularity. The temptation to experience the engine’s power is too great. And the Maybach is often used for chauffeured transportation, which can involve idling for extended periods, further reducing fuel economy. Expect real-world figures to hover around the low teens, perhaps even dipping into single digits in demanding driving conditions. Factors like driving style, traffic congestion, and even the quality of fuel used will all play a role. You can find all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data here on FuelEconomyHub.com.

How it compares

Compared to other ultra-luxury vehicles, the Maybach S650’s fuel economy is low. The Bentley Flying Spur W12, for example, clocks in at 12 MPG city and 19 MPG highway. Other vehicles in the class use smaller capacity engines, which results in slightly better fuel economy. The Rolls-Royce Ghost, while still thirsty, achieves around 12 MPG city and 19-20 MPG highway. For a different perspective, the non-Maybach S-Class S560 with a V8 achieves a more reasonable 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. Buyers are not cross shopping the S560 with the Maybach S650. They are seeking the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity, something reflected in the MAYBACH MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel economy may not be the primary concern, some adjustments can help get a little more mileage from a tank of premium gasoline. Avoid aggressive acceleration. Gently building speed will always be more efficient than flooring the accelerator to tap into the engine’s power. This is particularly important in city driving, where stop-and-go traffic already takes a toll on efficiency.

Ensure that the tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels. This measure can have a noticeable impact on fuel economy, while also improving handling and tire life.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle for extended periods consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate a wait, turn off the engine. Modern cars start effortlessly, and the fuel saved from avoiding idle time can add up over time. This is especially pertinent if the Maybach is used for frequent chauffeur duties.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed is far more fuel-efficient than constantly accelerating and decelerating. Cruise control helps to maintain a steady pace, minimizing unnecessary fuel consumption. Be mindful of traffic conditions and adjust your speed accordingly, but when possible, engage cruise control to optimize fuel economy.