19 MPG combined is the fuel economy figure for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic Coupe. Frankly, buyers of a nearly $130,000 coupe with a twin-turbo V8 are probably not focused on fuel economy. They are buying luxury, performance, exclusivity, and cutting-edge technology in a stunning two-door design. The 19 MPG is simply part of owning this kind of car, a consequence, not a reason to avoid it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the S550 Coupe gets 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. This shows the difference between city driving with frequent stops and highway cruising at a steady speed. The 4.7L twin-turbo V8 is powerful, but it needs a lot of fuel to repeatedly accelerate a vehicle of this size and weight from a standstill. On the highway, the efficient 7-speed automatic transmission and aerodynamic design help the engine operate more efficiently, resulting in better gas mileage. These MPG numbers are benchmarks under ideal conditions, but give owners an idea of what to expect.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $3,050 for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic Coupe. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, calculated using the national average fuel price when the estimate was made. For S550 Coupe owners, this is probably a small expense. It’s still important to know what affects this number and how driving habits can raise or lower it.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers. What you get in the real world depends a lot on how and where you drive the S550 Coupe. Driving hard, taking many short trips, and idling for long periods will lower your fuel economy. Driving gently and doing most of your driving on the highway can bring your MPG closer to, or even a bit above, the EPA estimates. Think of the official numbers as a starting point and adjust your expectations based on how you drive. Some drivers want to hear the V8 roar, while others will want efficient luxury. It’s your call.

How it compares

The 2015 S550’s fuel economy is normal compared to other luxury coupes in its class. The BMW 650i Coupe with its 4.4L V8 gets about the same gas mileage. The Audi S7 with its 4.0L V8 does a little better, often getting around 20 MPG combined, because it weighs less and has a more advanced engine management system. However, the Bentley Continental GT gets worse fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 15 MPG combined from its W12 engine. While this is not important to some S550 buyers, these comparisons show where the S550 lies in the V8 luxury car market. Compare S550 MPG across all years and powertrains to see the relative difference.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The S550 has different driving modes. Use “Comfort” or “Eco” mode for relaxed driving, as they adjust the engine and transmission to save fuel. Use “Sport” mode only when you want the V8’s full power, knowing that it will use more gas.

Make sure your tires have the correct air pressure. Tires with low pressure increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and keep it at the recommended levels in the owner’s manual.

Avoid idling unnecessarily. The S550 idles smoothly, but idling still uses fuel without going anywhere. If you’re stopping for more than a minute, turn off the engine to save fuel.

It’s tempting to accelerate hard, but don’t do it all the time. The S550 Coupe’s V8 is very powerful, but frequent hard acceleration greatly reduces fuel economy. Accelerate smoothly and gradually to save fuel.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance all help to maximize fuel economy. View all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data on this website.