Getting 18 MPG combined comes with driving a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S 4matic wagon. Let’s be clear: nobody buys this car caring only about efficiency. This is a sledgehammer of a station wagon, a leather-lined missile, and a rolling defiance of sensible fuel consumption. The E63 wagon buyer isn’t pinching pennies; they’re valuing performance and practicality equally and accepting the inherent compromise at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2015 E63 AMG S wagon at 16 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the realities of a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 sending over 577 horsepower to all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission. The city number reflects the stop-and-go conditions where the engine is constantly working to overcome the car’s considerable weight and the 4Matic system’s power loss. The highway figure is more palatable, but even at a steady cruising speed, you’re still hauling around a performance-tuned engine with significant power reserves. Aggressive driving will, of course, drop both figures considerably. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow are key to achieving anything close to the EPA estimates.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S 4matic wagon is $3,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline, which this car requires. It is important to understand that the $3,200 is an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the percentage of city versus highway driving. For owners who frequently push the car to its performance potential, expect a significantly higher annual fuel bill. View all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data here.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to match the EPA figures consistently. Real-world MPG depends heavily on driving style. Drive gently all the time, and you might see numbers close to the sticker. Drive it like an AMG, and you’ll be closer to 12-14 MPG. Many owners average around 15 MPG in mixed driving. Factors influencing fuel economy include ambient temperature, tire pressure, vehicle load, and even the specific blend of gasoline used. The 4Matic all-wheel drive enhances grip and stability but uses some efficiency compared to a rear-wheel-drive configuration.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance wagons, the E63’s fuel economy lands in a predictable spot. The Audi RS6 Avant, a more modern machine, achieves a slightly better EPA combined rating of 19 MPG, thanks to its more advanced engine management system and newer transmission technology. BMW didn’t offer an M5 Touring in the United States around this time, but even M5 sedans of similar vintage struggle to exceed 20 MPG combined. A Cadillac CTS-V wagon, with its supercharged V8, comes in around 17 MPG combined. The E63 wagon prioritizes outright power and responsiveness over maximizing efficiency. Someone drawn to the E63 isn’t necessarily cross-shopping a hybrid; they’re likely deciding which high-performance wagon best suits their needs, and fuel economy is simply a known quantity in the equation. View E63 MPG across all years to see how this model compares.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle throttle inputs are your best friend. The E63’s engine is immensely powerful, and controlling the throttle to avoid unnecessary bursts of acceleration will significantly improve fuel consumption. Avoid the urge to constantly demonstrate the car’s acceleration, especially in city driving.

Monitor tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and thus reducing fuel economy. Check the recommended tire pressure on the driver’s side door jamb and maintain it.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Removing excess cargo from the vehicle reduces the load on the engine, improving fuel efficiency. While the E63 is a wagon designed for hauling, consider whether you truly need to carry everything all the time.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel economy. Cruise control can effectively manage throttle inputs on relatively flat terrain, preventing unnecessary speed fluctuations that waste fuel.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoiding congested areas and stop-and-go traffic will significantly improve city MPG. Use navigation apps to identify and bypass traffic jams whenever possible.