22 MPG combined won’t win any awards for lower fuel costs, but it’s what you get with the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe. This isn’t basic transportation; it’s a statement about personal style and a luxurious experience inside a sleek, two-door shape. The ideal buyer probably puts aesthetics, comfort, and easy performance way ahead of excellent fuel efficiency. They want the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand and the style of a coupe, accepting the fuel consumption as a trade-off.

City and highway performance

The E400 Coupe’s EPA ratings of 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway show the balance between performance and acceptable fuel use. The city number, while not great, is understandable with the 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine and the constant stopping and starting of city driving. The 26 MPG highway figure is more appealing and can be reached on longer drives, especially if you drive calmly. The 9-speed automatic transmission helps to optimize fuel consumption at cruising speeds, keeping the engine at its most efficient.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe at $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline, which the E400 requires. Although individual driving and local fuel prices can change this amount, the $2,650 figure gives you a good idea of how the E400’s fuel costs compare to other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard test, but real-world fuel economy can change a lot based on how you drive, traffic, and even tire pressure. If you tend to accelerate quickly or drive mostly in heavy city traffic, expect numbers below the EPA estimates. But, if you accelerate smoothly, keep a steady speed on the highway, and make sure your tires have the right amount of air, you might get results close to or even a little better than the EPA’s numbers. Expect a range, not a fixed number.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2018 E400 Coupe is in the middle of its class. The BMW 440i Coupe, with a 3.0L inline-six, gets about 24 MPG combined, similar to the E400. The Audi A5 Coupe with the 2.0T engine does better, with 27 MPG combined. However, the A5 is a smaller car and doesn’t have the E400’s luxurious feel and strong 6-cylinder engine. People thinking about the E400 probably aren’t also looking at smaller, more fuel-efficient models. Instead, they might compare fuel economy against the better performance and prestige of competitors. As you can see when comparing all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data, the E400 isn’t the most efficient of the bunch, but it has a specific set of features that the right buyer will like.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the E400’s driving modes. “Comfort” or “Eco” mode will change the throttle and shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency over fast acceleration. It’s okay to use these modes for daily driving when you don’t need maximum performance.

Regular maintenance is critical for getting the best fuel economy. Make sure the engine is tuned properly, the air filter is clean, and the tires are inflated to the right pressure. A well-maintained engine will run more efficiently, and properly inflated tires will reduce rolling resistance.

Watch traffic and avoid hard acceleration and braking. The E400’s strong engine can make you want to accelerate fast, but smooth acceleration will save fuel. Also, avoid sudden braking by watching traffic, which will help you keep moving and use less fuel.

Don’t idle too much. Idling wastes fuel without going anywhere. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern cars like the E400 are made to restart quickly and efficiently, so it’s not a problem.

Think about using the air conditioning less. Air conditioning uses a lot of engine power, which increases fuel consumption. Try using the ventilation system or opening the windows when you can to reduce the need for A/C.

The 2018 E400 Coupe is for a buyer who values style and comfort over getting the best gas mileage. They know the E400 MPG across all years and accept the cost of fueling their car.