15 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but it’s expected for drivers wanting the high-performance of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S. This vehicle is designed to thrill and dominate backroads and on-ramps with a ferocity that belies its SUV shape. Fuel economy is a secondary consideration, accepted as the price for AMG performance.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the AMG GLE63 S confirm urban driving impacts fuel consumption. The city MPG is 13, directly attributable to the engine’s power and the vehicle’s weight. Stop-and-go traffic demands more fuel to move this beast. Highway driving yields a slightly more palatable 17 MPG. This improvement is due to the engine operating more consistently, but aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance prevent truly impressive efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S is $3,850. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a specified percentage in city versus highway conditions, and the national average fuel price when calculated. Drivers exceeding 15,000 miles annually, or with higher regional fuel costs, will naturally have higher expenses. High performance comes at a financial cost.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a benchmark, real-world fuel economy often deviates. Aggressive driving, frequent use of acceleration, and sustained high-speed cruising impact fuel consumption negatively.

A restrained driving style, coupled with careful route planning to avoid heavy traffic, might yield figures closer to the EPA estimates. Still, expect lower MPG in daily driving, especially when frequently using the engine’s capabilities. Consider checking AMG MPG across all years to see owner experiences.

How it compares

The AMG GLE63 S inhabits a niche where efficiency is secondary to performance. The BMW X5 M, another high-performance SUV, achieves similar figures, around 14 MPG combined. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR, delivering comparable power and luxury, performs similarly. A Porsche Cayenne Turbo, with its performance, also hovers around 15 MPG. All these vehicles cater to buyers who prioritize driving dynamics and accommodations over fuel savings. Understanding these comparisons is important when considering all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data and how they measure up against the competition.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the AMG GLE63 S isn’t designed for ultimate fuel efficiency, owners can minimize consumption. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, as these actions demand fuel. Smooth inputs will translate to less fuel wasted.

Pay attention to tire pressures. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Maintaining the recommended tire pressure improves fuel economy and contributes to handling and tire longevity.

Minimize idling time. Allowing the engine to idle for extended periods, such as waiting in a parking lot, burns fuel. If you anticipate a wait, consider turning off the engine and restarting it when ready to move.

Plan routes strategically to avoid congested areas and stop-and-go traffic. Maintaining a consistent speed on open roads is far more fuel-efficient than repeatedly accelerating and braking in heavy traffic. Apps like Waze and Google Maps can help find efficient routes.