Buyers of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe 4.7L 8-cyl accept 21 MPG combined as the fuel economy for the privilege of driving a refined, powerful, and stylish two-door grand tourer. This isn’t a car bought for maximum fuel savings; it’s a statement vehicle, a reward, a slice of automotive indulgence that prioritizes effortless performance and luxurious comfort over Prius-like efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates reflect the split personality of the E550 Coupe. The 18 MPG city rating is hardly surprising given the car’s weight and the inherent inefficiency of stop-and-go driving with a large-displacement V8. However, the 26 MPG highway figure demonstrates the engine’s cruising ability and the effectiveness of the 7-speed automatic transmission at lower RPMs. A long road trip in the E550 can yield respectable fuel economy, but urban environments will take a noticeable toll.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, and assumes national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate; your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a benchmark, real-world fuel economy for the E550 Coupe is highly dependent on driving style. An owner who frequently uses the car’s ample acceleration will likely see figures below the official estimates. Conversely, a driver who adopts a more sedate style and spends a considerable amount of time on the open road may achieve numbers closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the highway rating. Aggressive acceleration and frequent short trips are the enemies of fuel economy in a car like this.

How it compares

In the segment of luxury coupes with potent engines, the E550’s fuel economy lands somewhere in the middle. The BMW 650i Coupe, with its 4.4L V8, achieves a similar 20 MPG combined. The Audi S5 Coupe, with its supercharged V6, is noticeably more efficient at 24 MPG combined, but sacrifices some of the E550’s effortless V8 power. Even a smaller engine won’t necessarily guarantee vastly superior mileage; Jaguar’s F-Type Coupe, even with a supercharged V6, achieves only 23 MPG combined. These comparisons highlight the inherent trade-off between performance and fuel economy that E550 buyers often face.

For a broader perspective, you can review all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data to see how the E550 compares to other models in the lineup. Or, research E550 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the E550’s adaptive cruise control on the highway. This system maintains a safe following distance and can help to smooth out your driving, minimizing unnecessary acceleration and braking that negatively impacts fuel consumption. Setting the drive mode to “Comfort” will also soften throttle response and encourage smoother acceleration.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels outlined in the owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Avoid prolonged idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to be restarted frequently without causing excessive wear, and idling consumes fuel without moving the car.

Lighten the load. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk. Extra weight reduces fuel economy, so clearing out any clutter can make a small but noticeable difference over time. Every pound counts, so keep only essential items in the vehicle.

Plan your routes carefully. Avoiding congested areas and optimizing your route for fewer stops and starts can significantly improve fuel economy. Using a GPS navigation system with real-time traffic updates can help you find the most efficient path to your destination.