17 MPG combined is probably the last thing on a buyer’s mind when considering a 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 4Matic Convertible. This car is bought on emotion, as a statement of success and love for open-air driving. It’s a fantastic, over-the-top car, and fuel economy is just the price you pay to get in the club. Owners probably aren’t that worried about gas station visits and are much more interested in that hand-built AMG engine’s visceral feel and the stares from onlookers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the AMG S63 Convertible are 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. In the city, you get a lot of stop-and-go traffic, which means the car’s weight and strong engine aren’t helping your gas mileage. Because the engine gives you instant torque, you end up using the gas pedal a lot, even if you try to drive gently. The highway is a bit better. When you’re cruising, the 5.5L biturbo V8 relaxes a bit, which helps you get that 22 MPG rating. It won’t be amazing MPG, but it’s the best you can expect from a high-performance grand tourer.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA puts the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 4Matic Convertible at $3,400. This is figured using 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. The cost is significant, and buyers should keep it in mind. Premium fuel is required, so those costs could go up based on where you live. And if you drive more than 15,000 miles a year, you’ll spend even more.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers give you a general idea, but the real-world MPG for the AMG S63 Convertible changes a lot depending on how you drive. If you like to speed up fast and use the car’s performance a lot, you’ll probably get less MPG than the EPA says. If you drive smoothly, especially on the highway, you might get closer to the official numbers. But, most drivers of this car will enjoy its speed, so the MPG will probably be a bit lower than advertised. The joy you get from going 0-60 quickly is worth any extra fuel you use.

How it compares

The 2017 AMG S63 Convertible’s fuel economy stacks up about as expected for its class. A BMW M6 Convertible will provide similar data. The Cadillac CTS-V, while not a convertible itself, has similar performance and fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 14 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. Even some high-performance SUVs, such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, are similar in MPG, which proves powerful engines and nice features come with a cost. When shopping for this vehicle, use AMG MPG across all years to inform your decision. This comparison is important, as shoppers in this segment often compare these based on performance and brand, not MPG. Still, knowing the relative cost of ownership can still influence a decision.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Getting every mile out of a tank might not be on an AMG S63 Convertible driver’s mind, but here are a few things that can help.

Avoid speeding up and braking often, as the car’s quick acceleration makes it easy to waste fuel.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Low tires cause more resistance, which cuts your MPG. This is especially important for a heavy, high-performance car like the AMG S63.

On the highway, use cruise control. By going a steady speed, you avoid speeding up and slowing down too much, which keeps your fuel use steady. It all adds up.

Don’t let the car sit running. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines start fast, and idling wastes fuel. The 5.5L V8 isn’t known for being cheap on gas when sitting.

Be sure to maintain your vehicle with Mercedes Benz fuel economy in mind during ownership. Regular maintenance, like changing the oil and air filters, helps the engine run its best, which can improve MPG over time. A healthy engine burns fuel better.