12 MPG combined. Let’s be clear: nobody buys a 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG G65 for its fuel efficiency. This is a hand-built, twin-turbocharged V12-powered monument to excess, a vehicle whose very existence defies the automotive market. Its drivers are buying a statement, capability, and a driving experience unlike anything else on the road, and they’re not particularly concerned with how many gallons it takes to achieve that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the AMG G65 reflect its prodigious power and unapologetic design. In the city, fuel economy sits at 11 MPG, a figure that shrinks even further when you start to exploit the engine’s potential.

Out on the highway, the G65 manages a slightly more respectable 13 MPG. The 7-speed automatic transmission tries its best to manage the engine’s output, but ultimately, physics and the G65’s boxy shape take their toll. Aerodynamics are not a priority. This vehicle punches a hole through the air, consequences be damned.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG G65 is $4,800. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and assumes the use of the national average fuel price.

The $4,800 annual fuel cost is unlikely to be a significant deterrent for those who purchase this vehicle. These are individuals for whom performance, exclusivity, and presence outweigh the pragmatic concerns of fuel consumption. They’re the sorts who also own a private jet and are far more concerned with how much fuel THAT consumes.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a benchmark, the real-world MPG of the AMG G65 will likely vary considerably depending on driving style and conditions. Frequent full-throttle acceleration, which is almost unavoidable given the intoxicating power on tap, will significantly decrease fuel economy. Stop-and-go city driving will also take its toll.

Conversely, a consistent highway cruise, driven with restraint (a difficult task, admittedly), might yield figures closer to the EPA estimate. But let’s be honest: few owners will ever drive this vehicle primarily for maximum efficiency. The fun is in the growl of the V12, not pinching pennies at the pump.

How it compares

The G65 exists in a fuel-economy vacuum. There are few direct competitors that offer a similar blend of extreme performance, off-road capability, and sheer ostentation. Other high-performance SUVs fare noticeably better, at least on paper, but don’t deliver the same raw, uncompromising presence. For example, the updated, less powerful AMG G63 manages around 16 MPG combined.

High-performance SUVs from other manufacturers, like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo (around 17 MPG combined), or the Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR (around 15 MPG combined) offer better fuel economy but lack the G65’s unique character. Ultimately, the comparison is almost irrelevant. Someone choosing the G65 knows exactly what they’re getting, and not getting, in terms of fuel efficiency. Check AMG MPG across all years to understand it better.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Consider this: Even a small increase in MPG can make a difference, especially when starting from such a low baseline. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these habits drastically reduce fuel efficiency. The G65’s V12 has more than enough torque to cruise comfortably without constantly dipping into the throttle.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, and have the tires aligned if there’s uneven wear. Even with this attention, the car is so heavy that tires will wear quickly.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo in the G65 adds to its already considerable mass, negatively impacting fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to lighten the load on that massive 6.0L engine. But then again, if you need to haul cargo, wouldn’t you just use your other ultra-luxury SUV?

Plan your routes strategically. Avoid congested city streets and opt for routes with smoother traffic flow whenever possible. Constant stop-and-go driving is a fuel economy killer, so try to minimize it. Use the onboard navigation to see if you can avoid traffic.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Ensure your G65 receives regular servicing, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections. See all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data to see trends over time. These simple steps can help keep that V12 humming, as efficiently as a V12 in a brick can hum, anyway.