16 MPG combined. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Coupe isn’t bought for its thrift. It’s a rolling sculpture of V12 excess, a velvet-lined missile aimed squarely at those who prioritize handcrafted power and exclusivity over everything else. Fuel economy is a cost of entry into a very particular club.

City and highway performance

The official EPA figures paint a clear picture: 13 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The S65 Coupe’s 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V12 engine demands a steady diet of premium fuel to deliver its sledgehammer performance. The seven-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive but geared more for effortless cruising and breathtaking acceleration than outright efficiency. These numbers are academic for the target buyer.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Coupe is $3,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. For context, this is more than double the annual fuel cost of some hybrid vehicles. The S65 Coupe buyer is likely more concerned with the bespoke leather and carbon fiber trim than the monthly fuel bill.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving style and conditions. Aggressive acceleration, sustained high speeds, and frequent city driving will push the MPG figures lower. Gentle highway cruising might yield slightly better results, but exceeding the EPA’s 21 MPG highway estimate by any meaningful margin is unrealistic. For those interested in all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data, there are other vehicles in the lineup far more deserving of your attention.

How it compares

The AMG S65 Coupe exists in a unique segment, but comparing it to similar vehicles offers interesting contrasts. The Bentley Continental GT, with its W12 engine, delivers comparable fuel economy, hovering around 15 MPG combined. The V8-powered Aston Martin DB11, at around 18 MPG combined, offers a slight advantage in fuel efficiency. The smaller AMG S63 Coupe, with its V8 engine, sees a jump to around 20 MPG combined. It is important to recall that this buyer wants twelve cylinders; a concession to efficiency would betray the vehicle’s purpose. For a look at AMG MPG across all years, explore our research pages. The S65 Coupe buyer chooses power; someone less focused on performance may be more interested in the fuel economy of a standard S-Class sedan.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Squeezing fuel from the S65 Coupe might seem strange, but here are a few strategies. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking; smooth driving will minimize fuel consumption. The twin-turbo V12 delivers peak torque at low RPM, so there’s rarely a need to flex the accelerator pedal.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and maintain them at the recommended levels specified on the door jamb.

Limit the use of auxiliary features like air conditioning and heated seats when they aren’t necessary, as these systems place load on the engine. Judicious use makes a difference.

Consider using the “Comfort” driving mode when cruising on the highway. The S65’s driving modes alter throttle response and shift points; the Comfort mode is optimized for relaxed, efficient driving.