18 MPG combined, that’s what you get with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupe and its strong 4.0L 8-cylinder engine. Nobody buys this car because it’s fuel efficient. They buy it for its snarling soundtrack, the brutal acceleration, and the head-turning style. The fuel consumption is simply what you pay to join a very exclusive club of high-performance grand tourers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway for this AMG GT Coupe. These numbers reflect different driving conditions. City driving, with its stop-and-go traffic and frequent acceleration, is hard on fuel economy because the AMG’s powerful engine is always working to overcome inertia. On the highway, consistent speed leads to better engine efficiency. However, the car’s aerodynamic profile (especially with the rear wing up!) and heavy weight still impact MPG. If you drive aggressively on the highway, expect numbers closer to the city MPG. The automatic (AM7) transmission is quick and responsive, but sacrifices some efficiency compared to more modern 8-speed or 10-speed transmissions. Its responsiveness, though, is key to the AMG GT’s character.

Expect to see closer to the city figure if your “highway” driving involves aggressive merging and frequent bursts of speed for overtaking.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,200 for this model. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national averages for premium fuel prices. This is only an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary based on mileage, driving style, and local fuel prices. Premium fuel is a must for this engine to perform as advertised and last a long time. Using a lower fuel grade is a bad idea and could damage the engine.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures are a starting point, but real-world fuel economy varies based on driving habits. The best highway MPG is only attainable when consistently cruising at or near the speed limit. Heavy acceleration, especially in Sport or Sport+ mode, will reduce fuel economy significantly. Owners who often push the AMG GT’s limits will likely see average MPG figures below the EPA combined rating. However, those who use the car for longer trips and drive smoothly might get closer to, or even exceed, the EPA highway rating. See AMG MPG across all years for more data.

How it compares

The AMG GT’s fuel economy is similar to other high-performance coupes, but not the best in its class. The Porsche 911 Carrera S delivers combined MPG in the low 20s, just a few MPG better, and often not a concern for buyers in this group. The Jaguar F-Type R, with a supercharged V8, gets similar fuel consumption to the AMG GT, sometimes slightly lower. Even the BMW M8 Coupe’s advanced engine doesn’t offer much better MPG. The M8 might get 1-2 more MPG. If you’re considering other Mercedes Benz models, you can view all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive smoothly, avoid quick acceleration and hard braking. The AMG GT’s power is tempting, but gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic will improve fuel efficiency a lot. Use “Comfort” mode for daily driving. This mode softens throttle response and optimizes shift points, reducing the engine’s fuel consumption at the expense of performance.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended levels, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Keep the car light. Extra weight reduces fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger compartment because even small amounts of weight affect fuel consumption, especially during acceleration.

Plan trips well: combine errands into one trip to reduce cold engine starts. Cold starts use a lot of fuel because the engine needs to warm up. Consider routes that avoid stop-and-go traffic because less idling time means less gas burned.