The 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 4matic Plus Convertible offers open-air thrills and performance, but it comes with a fuel consumption of 23 MPG combined. This isn’t a car known for fuel efficiency. Instead, it’s a luxury convertible that offers a strong engine, all-wheel drive, and performance. The main customer isn’t focusing on fuel economy. They want refinement, acceleration, and top-down driving, understanding the fuel bill is part of the experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the E53 Convertible gets 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect typical driving, but they don’t provide complete information. The city MPG reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the E53’s weight and engine contribute to lower efficiency. The highway MPG shows how the nine-speed automatic transmission helps the engine cruise at lower RPMs at higher speeds. While 26 MPG on the highway is good, aggressive driving or sustained high speeds will lower that number. Many people who buy this level of performance and luxury also own other cars, so they might save the E53 for weekend drives instead of every-day commutes.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 4matic Plus Convertible is $2,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a national average fuel price. Premium fuel is recommended for best performance, and it usually costs more than regular unleaded. Your driving habits and local fuel prices will change this annual cost. If you often use the E53 for short trips in heavy traffic, you’ll likely spend more than this estimate. However, if you mostly drive on the highway, you might spend less. Knowing the fuel costs can help E53 owners plan for the cost of driving this convertible.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a useful guide, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Driving style, traffic, temperature, and tire pressure can all change the MPG you see. The E53’s fuel economy will change based on how often you use the AMG Dynamic Select modes, which prioritize performance over efficiency. The engine’s power and exhaust sound can lead to more spirited driving, which will affect fuel consumption. If you drive smoothly, you can likely get close to the EPA estimates. However, if you often exploit the car’s performance, you’ll see lower numbers. Read all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data here.

How it compares

The E53’s fuel economy is in a specific range compared to other luxury performance convertibles. For example, the BMW M4 Convertible, with its inline-6, offers similar performance but gets around 20 MPG combined. The Audi S5 Cabriolet, with its turbocharged V6, gets around 24 MPG combined, making it more efficient but with a less powerful engine and less aggressive styling. Even the standard Mercedes-Benz E450 Cabriolet, with its less powerful engine, only manages around 25 MPG combined. This shows that open-top motoring usually reduces fuel economy. E53 buyers know they are trading fuel economy for performance. They could choose a more fuel-efficient luxury car, but they would miss the AMG performance and open-air driving of the E53. Look at the AMG MPG across all years here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The E53 isn’t made for maximum fuel economy, but owners can still improve their MPG. Avoid accelerating and braking hard, as this really reduces fuel efficiency. If you can, anticipate traffic and drive at a steady speed to save energy.

Make sure your tires have the correct amount of air. If tires are underinflated, they’ll create more rolling resistance. This will force the engine to work harder, causing it to use more fuel. Check your tire pressures often. Inflate them to the recommended levels, found on the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual.

If possible, use the ECO drive mode. This mode optimizes the engine and transmission for efficiency. This is done by reducing throttle response and shifting at lower RPMs. ECO mode is good for highway driving and commuting, even though it’s not suited for spirited driving.

Remove extra weight in the car. Extra cargo adds to the car’s overall weight, which reduces fuel economy. Remove any items from the trunk or passenger area that you don’t need.

Get regular maintenance for your E53. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Make sure your car gets regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and other services to keep it running well and saving fuel.