15 MPG combined. No one shopping for a 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S is prioritizing fuel economy. This SUV is a sledgehammer, a monument to excess and performance, cloaked in the practical body of a mid-size SUV. It is for those who demand the absolute best, regardless of the cost at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the AMG GLE63 S are 14 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. These figures represent the prodigious power generated by the hand-built 5.5L twin-turbo V8 engine. Stop-and-go city driving will likely yield even lower numbers, especially given the temptation to repeatedly experience the ferocious acceleration. On the open road, maintaining a steady cruising speed will get you closer to the 18 MPG mark, yet even minor throttle inputs can quickly diminish that. The seven-speed automatic transmission, while reliable, isn’t geared for maximizing fuel efficiency; it’s engineered for rapid shifts and power delivery. Do not expect hybrid-like efficiency in any circumstance.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S at $3,850. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. Keep in mind this is just an estimate. Aggressive driving or variations in fuel prices can significantly impact the actual annual cost. Owning a high-performance vehicle like this comes with a considerable financial commitment beyond the initial purchase price.

Real-world expectations

Consider the EPA numbers as a best-case scenario. Real-world fuel economy will almost certainly deviate and likely be lower. Drivers who frequently engage in spirited acceleration, live in congested urban areas, or regularly tow will see their MPG numbers plummet. Conversely, those who predominantly drive on the highway and adopt a conservative driving style might get slightly better mileage, but expecting anything above the EPA estimates is optimistic. The weight of the vehicle, the powerful engine, and the performance-oriented drivetrain all contribute to the thirsty nature of the AMG GLE63 S. This is the price you pay for the incredible performance it delivers. This is a vehicle where fun outweighs frugality, and the owners have made peace with that fact. Check out all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data to see the MPG ranges for the brand.

How it compares

The AMG GLE63 S exists in a rarefied segment of high-performance SUVs, and its fuel economy reflects that. A comparable BMW X5 M, with its 4.4L twin-turbo V8, achieves around 16 MPG combined. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo, another formidable competitor, offers a similar fuel economy rating in the 15-17 MPG range. Even the Range Rover Sport SVR, known for its imposing presence and powerful V8, lands in the same ballpark as the AMG GLE63 S. The Audi RS Q8, a newer entrant, delivers similar numbers. These vehicles are not chosen for their efficiency. The buyer prioritizes performance, luxury, and exclusivity, and the fuel economy is simply a cost of entry. For more AMG info, compare AMG MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While expecting miracles from the AMG GLE63 S is unrealistic, there are still steps that can slightly improve fuel economy. The first, and most important, is to resist the urge to constantly accelerate aggressively. Smooth, gradual acceleration will minimize fuel consumption compared to rapid bursts of speed. Treat every full-throttle launch like burning dollar bills.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the specifications listed on the doorjamb sticker.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying around extra cargo adds to the overall weight, which reduces fuel economy. Remove any items that are not essential, especially heavy objects, from the trunk or cargo area.

Use cruise control on long highway drives. Maintaining a consistent speed helps to optimize fuel efficiency. However, disengage cruise control in hilly or mountainous terrain, as the system may downshift aggressively, negating any fuel savings.

Consider using the “Comfort” driving mode when possible. While the “Sport” and “Sport+” modes heighten performance, they also increase fuel consumption. Using “Comfort” mode mellows the throttle response and shift points, leading to slightly better fuel efficiency. Don’t expect a huge difference!