The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe gets 15 MPG combined, according to its Monroney sticker. Buyers of this hand-built, V12-powered car may shrug or even smile at that number. This isn’t a car built for commuting efficiency. It’s a statement of engineering excess, bespoke luxury, and unapologetic performance. The fuel costs are part of joining an exclusive club.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the S65 AMG Coupe will achieve 13 MPG in city driving and 20 MPG on the highway. The city figure is the result of hauling nearly 5,000 pounds of meticulously crafted metal and leather through stop-and-go traffic with a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12. The highway number shows the engine’s strong torque, allowing for easy cruising at high speeds. These figures are achievable with a very disciplined right foot, which S65 AMG owners rarely do.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe at $3,850. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average premium gasoline prices. That $3,850 could pay for a moderately equipped Honda Civic for a year, but buyers considering the S65 AMG aren’t looking at a Civic. The annual fuel cost is minor compared to the overall experience of owning this car.

Real-world expectations

The official EPA numbers give a possible picture, but the reality is often different. Hard acceleration, frequent use of “Sport” or “Manual” modes, and the sound of that V12 will lead to lower real-world fuel economy. Some drivers report single-digit MPG in demanding city environments. Highway driving, with an effort to save fuel, might get closer to the EPA estimate, but expecting 20 MPG constantly is optimistic. This car doesn’t encourage fuel-sipping behavior.

How it compares

The S65 AMG’s fuel economy is predictably poor compared to other high-performance coupes, but it matches its design. The Aston Martin DB9, with its naturally aspirated V12, gets a slightly better 13 MPG city and 19 MPG highway. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe, with a turbocharged V8, achieves 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway. Even the Porsche 911 Turbo S delivers 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. For those concerned about performance and less gas, exploring all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data would lead to the AMG GT, a smaller coupe with a more efficient engine. None of these cars offer the opulence and torque of the S65 AMG. Buyers researching S65 MPG across all years will see the numbers don’t change much, the V12’s character is consistent.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Fuel efficiency might not be the main concern, but small changes can help. Try not to use the V12’s full power all the time. Accelerate gently and anticipate traffic to minimize fuel use, without changing the driving experience too much.

Use the “Comfort” driving mode in the city when you can. This mode softens the throttle and shifts gears earlier, keeping the engine at lower RPMs and reducing fuel use. It’s good for daily commutes where you don’t need maximum performance.

Check your tire pressure. Keeping the right pressure reduces rolling resistance, improving fuel economy and extending tire life. This is important on a heavy, high-performance car like the S65 AMG Coupe.

Don’t idle unnecessarily. Modern engines work well from a cold start, and idling wastes fuel. If you’ll stop for more than a minute, turn off the engine.

Regular maintenance is important. Servicing, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks, keeps the engine working at its best. A well-maintained engine saves fuel.