The 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG G65 has an official EPA fuel economy figure of 12 MPG combined. Let’s be frank: fuel economy is almost entirely irrelevant to the clientele who purchase this hand-built, V12-powered brute. This is a six-figure exercise in excess, a monument to old-school engineering and borderline absurd performance. Anyone worried about their carbon footprint or the price of premium unleaded is looking at the wrong vehicle entirely.

City and highway performance

The split between city and highway consumption reveals a slightly more nuanced picture, if such a thing can exist in this context. The G65 manages 11 MPG in the city and 13 MPG on the highway. The slightly higher highway figure speaks more to the effectiveness of the seven-speed automatic transmission at cruising speeds than any inherent efficiency gains from the engine itself. Stop-and-go traffic and the G65’s substantial curb weight (over 6,200 pounds) conspire to punish urban driving. Out on the open road, the engine is simply loafing, relatively speaking, but still using vast quantities of fuel to overcome aerodynamic challenges that date back to the original G-Wagen’s military origins.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 AMG G65 at a staggering $4,800. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway, using the national average fuel prices for premium gasoline at the time of calculation. It is a sobering number, but buyers in this segment are typically more concerned with the cost of maintaining their yacht than the price of filling up their G-Wagen. Consider it the cost of admission to an exclusive club of V12 ownership and outlandish styling. If you’re examining all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data and are shocked by this MPG, keep in mind almost all other models are considerably more efficient.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a standardized baseline, real-world fuel economy for the G65 can vary significantly. Aggressive driving, frequent use of the engine’s considerable power, and modifications like larger wheels and tires will all negatively impact fuel consumption. Owners in colder climates, where winter-blend fuel is common and engines take longer to reach operating temperature, will also likely see lower MPG. Conversely, a driver with a light foot who spends most of their time on the highway might be able to achieve slightly better results, but expecting anything beyond the official EPA numbers is optimistic.

How it compares

Comparisons to other vehicles highlight the G65’s position as an outlier. The V8-powered AMG G63, for example, manages only marginally better fuel economy, hovering around 13 MPG combined. This is largely due to the similarity in weight and also the power demands of the V8. A Range Rover with the supercharged V8 offers similar levels of opulence and performance, while achieving a slightly better, 16 MPG combined. This makes the G65’s 12-cylinder engine both an achievement and a liability. The Lamborghini Urus, a more modern and overtly sporting SUV, manages around 14 MPG combined. For the G65 buyer, however, the comparison is not about saving money; it is about making a statement that alternatives simply cannot match. If you’re interested in AMG MPG across all years, you’ll notice a trend: performance equals fuel consumption.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Even in a vehicle like the G65, some measures can be taken to potentially improve fuel consumption, although the impact will likely be minimal. Ensure that tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure; this reduces rolling resistance and can eke out a small improvement in MPG. Given the G65’s prodigious torque, gentle acceleration can help conserve fuel. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and anticipate traffic conditions to minimize unnecessary braking.

Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and air filter replacements, is critical for optimal engine performance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and burns fuel more cleanly. Given the G65’s complex engine management system, addressing any engine warning lights promptly is essential to prevent potential issues that could negatively impact fuel economy.

Consider the routes you drive. Choosing routes with fewer stop-and-go situations and prioritizing highway driving when possible can make a noticeable difference, however small, in fuel efficiency. Using the cruise control on the highway can also help maintain a consistent speed and reduce unnecessary acceleration.

Finally, consider “unnecessary” weight on board. While hardly a major contributor, removing any extraneous cargo can marginally reduce the vehicle’s overall weight and improve fuel economy. It’s unlikely to deliver a dramatic change, but every little bit helps, relatively speaking.