19 MPG combined might induce panic in a Prius owner, but for the driver of a 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S 4matic wagon, it’s a footnote. This isn’t a car bought for sipping fuel; it’s a statement of intent, a commitment to performance wrapped in a practical, powerful package. This is for the enthusiast who needs to haul kids to soccer practice but also wants to lay down blistering lap times on the weekend.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates paint a picture: 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. Consider the ‘city’ rating a suggestion, not a promise. The E63 S wagon’s 4.0L twin-turbo V8, hand-built by a single AMG technician, is eager. Restraint is required, it is rarely practiced, to achieve anything close to 16 MPG when burbling through urban landscapes. The 9-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its most efficient range when you can keep your foot out of it.

The 23 MPG highway figure is more realistic, aided by the transmission’s ability to cruise at low RPMs. Even at highway speeds, a mere tickle of the throttle unleashes effortless overtaking power, a constant temptation that will invariably impact fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The realities of owning a fire-breathing, family-friendly wagon come into focus with its financial implications. According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2019 AMG E63 S wagon is $3,050. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of city and highway driving cycles, and factoring in national average fuel prices. This number assumes responsible driving habits, a light foot, and adherence to posted speed limits, none of which are typically associated with E63 S ownership. Expect to exceed this figure if you regularly exploit the car’s performance potential. If you’re worried about the hit to your wallet, you may want to review all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data and consider a different purchase.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA estimates. Real-world fuel economy in the E63 S wagon is heavily dependent on driving style. Short trips, heavy traffic, and frequent bursts of acceleration will plummet your MPG into the low teens. Highway cruising, with occasional swift overtaking maneuvers, might push you closer to the EPA’s 23 MPG figure, but hitting that consistently will be a challenge. The owners of vehicles like this are rarely hypermilers, so most will just accept the costs and enjoy the performance.

How it compares

The AMG E63 S wagon exists in a small segment. Direct competitors are few, but provide context. The Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, another performance wagon, delivers similar fuel economy figures, typically around 17 MPG combined. Some buyers might consider a high-performance SUV like the BMW X5 M, which offers a similar driving experience and comparable MPG figures of around 16 MPG combined. These comparisons matter because the E63 S wagon buyer prioritizes performance, awareness of the broader landscape is still present. They want maximum practicality with a minimum compromise. And for many, the E63 S wagon is the optimum choice, regardless of minor efficiency differences. To see AMG MPG across all years provides useful context for potential owners.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the E63 S wagon isn’t designed for hypermiling, a few strategies can help you squeeze a bit more range between fill-ups. Avoid unnecessary idling; the twin-turbo V8 consumes a surprising amount of fuel while stationary.

Use the car’s Eco driving mode during low-demand situations like highway cruising. This mode adjusts throttle response and shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency. Be mindful that it doesn’t fundamentally alter the car’s character, so aggressive acceleration will still result in increased fuel consumption.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated and maintain them at the recommended pressure. This reduces rolling resistance, improving fuel economy and extending tire life. Check the tire pressure regularly, especially during seasonal temperature changes.

Plan your routes to avoid stop-and-go traffic. Continuous acceleration and braking are fuel-intensive, so choosing routes with smoother traffic flow can significantly improve your MPG. Consider using real-time traffic apps to identify congestion and alternative routes.

Try to resist the urge to constantly unleash the car’s full potential. That’s easier said than done, the engine is so very addictive. Smooth, gradual acceleration and anticipation of traffic flow will go a surprisingly long way in keeping you from frequent stops at the gas station.