2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Coupe Fuel Economy

15 MPG combined. Let’s be clear: nobody buys a 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Coupe for its fuel efficiency. This is a rolling monument to excess, a leather-lined land yacht propelled by a hand-built 6.0L V12 engine. It’s for the titan of industry who wants to arrive everywhere in a cloud of effortless power and bespoke luxury, fuel bill be damned. This car isn’t about saving the planet; it’s about conquering it, one perfectly executed apex at a time.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 13 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. Understand that these figures are optimistic under anything resembling enthusiastic driving. The S65 Coupe’s engine produces 621 horsepower and a mind-bending 738 lb-ft of torque. That power is addictive, and resisting the urge to unleash it at every opportunity requires a saintly level of restraint. The seven-speed automatic transmission, while smooth and responsive, also encourages aggressive driving with its eagerness to downshift and unleash the V12’s fury. Owners who spend most of their time in stop-and-go traffic can easily see single-digit MPG numbers, while highway cruising at a steady 70mph might get you closer to the EPA’s estimate, but still likely below it.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates an annual fuel cost of $3,850 for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Coupe. This assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year with a 55/45 split between city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation (premium fuel, naturally). The reality is that S65 Coupe owners likely exceed both the mileage and the lead-footedness used in that calculation. Expect to spend considerably more on fuel annually if you enjoy exploiting even a fraction of this car’s potential, or if you frequently get stuck in rush hour.

Real-world expectations

Real-world MPG for the S65 Coupe is largely irrelevant to its target demographic. This is a vehicle purchased by individuals for whom fuel costs are a rounding error in their monthly expenses. The sheer thrill of piloting a V12-powered coupe far outweighs any concerns about fuel consumption. However, even the wealthiest owners might appreciate squeezing a few extra miles from each tank. Expect anything from 9 MPG in the city if you are making frequent use of the car’s immense thrust, up to maybe 18 MPG on a long highway cruise if you are especially careful to keep the revs down.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the AMG S65 Coupe’s fuel economy is predictably poor. The BMW M6 Coupe, with its twin-turbo V8, manages around 17 MPG combined. The Aston Martin DB11 V12, a similar grand tourer, lands somewhere in the same ballpark as the S65 Coupe, but it is not like buyers cross shop this vehicle. The difference in fuel economy between these cars is unlikely to sway a buyer choosing between them. The buyer is not choosing a BMW to save money on gas. Buyers of the S65 Coupe are prioritizing the exclusivity and raw power of its V12 engine above all else. These vehicles can be compared at AMG MPG across all years. You can browse all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data to compare the S65 to other models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given the S65 Coupe’s performance capabilities, maximizing fuel efficiency requires a change in driving habits. Resist the urge to accelerate aggressively from every stop. Smooth, gradual acceleration will significantly reduce fuel consumption. The instant torque of the V12 makes this easier than you think.

Use the car’s “Comfort” driving mode if available. This mode softens throttle response and encourages earlier upshifts, helping to keep the engine revs down and improve fuel economy. It won’t turn the S65 into a Prius, but it will make a noticeable difference in everyday driving.

Tire pressure is critical for both handling and efficiency. Keep your tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the door jamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively affects fuel economy.

Plan your routes carefully to avoid stop-and-go traffic. Highway driving at a consistent speed is far more fuel-efficient than navigating congested city streets. Use navigation apps to identify and avoid potential traffic jams.