The 2016 Mercedes-Benz E550 4matic, with its 4.7L V8, manages a combined 21 MPG. That number isn’t going to win any awards, but fuel economy isn’t the main concern for buyers seeking a refined and powerful luxury sedan like the E550. This is a vehicle for those who prioritize effortless acceleration and all-weather confidence over getting every last mile from a gallon of premium fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the E550 achieves 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s thirst when dealing with stop-and-go traffic, a common reality for commuters in affluent suburban areas and urban centers, precisely the demographic drawn to the E550’s blend of luxury and performance. The highway MPG, while still not exceptional, hints at the car’s ability to cruise comfortably and efficiently on long journeys. The standard 7-speed automatic transmission, while not the most modern offering, does its part to keep the engine in its optimal rev range, balancing performance with fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E550 4matic is $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel expenses will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and how much time you spend idling in traffic. However, the $2,750 figure provides a useful benchmark for understanding the overall cost of ownership. If you are looking for all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data, you can check the EPA database directly.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a good starting point, real-world fuel economy can differ. Drivers who frequently exploit the E550’s strong power will likely see numbers closer to the city rating, or even lower. Those who primarily use the car for highway cruising and practice mindful driving can achieve figures closer to, or perhaps slightly above, the EPA’s 24 MPG highway estimate.

Aggressive acceleration and frequent use of the Sport drive mode will significantly impact fuel consumption. Cold weather and the use of winter tires can also reduce fuel efficiency.

How it compares

In 2016, the E550’s fuel economy placed it in a specific context against its rivals. The BMW 550i xDrive, packing a similar-sized V8 and all-wheel drive, offered comparable fuel economy, typically achieving around 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. The Audi A6 3.0T Quattro, with its supercharged V6, delivered slightly better fuel economy, around 21 MPG city and 31 MPG highway, appealing to those prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing performance entirely. Even stepping up to the S6, with its higher-output version of the V8, returned fairly similar numbers, so many owners end up choosing which design and driving experience they liked best, and considering the MPG only as one of many deciding factors. These comparisons illustrate that the E550’s fuel consumption aligns with the expectations for a powerful, all-wheel-drive luxury sedan in its class. It’s a trade-off many buyers are happy to make for the performance and comfort on offer. The E550 MPG across all years is also relatively stable, further showing the consistency of this platform.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The E550’s twin-turbo V8 is capable of impressive bursts of speed, but each hard acceleration is a direct hit to your fuel economy. Practice smooth, gradual acceleration and anticipate traffic flow to minimize unnecessary braking and acceleration.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regularly check your tire pressure and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. Even a small adjustment can improve fuel efficiency.

Use cruise control on the highway. Engaging cruise control on long highway stretches helps maintain a consistent speed, reducing unnecessary variations that can decrease fuel economy. It also helps to resist the temptation to use all that V8 power, which is important even in the newer models.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, consider turning off the engine. Modern vehicles are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, making this a viable option for reducing fuel consumption.

Consider using the “Eco” driving mode, if equipped. Typically found on the center console, the Eco mode alters shift points and limits throttle response for slightly better fuel efficiency. It’s not a dramatic change, but can provide a small but noticeable improvement during regular commuting.