18 MPG combined isn’t great, but it probably won’t stop anyone from buying the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Roadster. This car is engineered to be exhilarating, to deliver the sound of a snarling V8 and the feeling of wind in your hair. Fuel economy is a low priority for those who want a strong driving experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA says that the 18 combined MPG breaks down to 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city number shows how much fuel the AMG GT uses when repeatedly accelerating its heavy body in stop-and-go traffic. The highway number is better, but still worse than more practical convertibles. The AMG GT Roadster isn’t about being practical, it’s about the quick power from its 4.0L V8 engine, the fast shifts of its AMG Speedshift 7-speed automatic transmission, and its dramatic presence. These are the things that matter to buyers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Roadster will cost $3,200 per year in fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year with a mix of city and highway driving, using the national average fuel price. Although $3,200 might seem high, it probably won’t scare off people looking for a high-performance convertible. The cost to own this level of performance and luxury is more than just the purchase price; fuel consumption is part of it. If you’re worried about fuel costs, you should see all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data before buying this car.

Real-world expectations

The AMG GT Roadster’s real-world fuel economy changes a lot depending on how you drive. If you often use the engine’s full power and drive in Sport+ mode, you’ll probably get even worse gas mileage than the EPA estimates. But, if you drive smoothly and predict traffic, you might get closer to 24 or 25 MPG on the highway. If you buy this car and expect it to be as efficient as a Prius, you’re wrong. The AMG GT is made to be enjoyed, which usually means enjoying its performance, and that costs money.

How it compares

As expected, the AMG GT Roadster’s fuel economy isn’t great compared to its competitors. The Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, a benchmark for performance convertibles, gets 20 MPG combined. The Jaguar F-Type R Convertible, another competitor with a V8 engine, gets about the same fuel economy as the AMG GT, around 18 MPG combined. The BMW M850i Convertible gets around 20 MPG combined. Each of these cars have a similar level of sportiness and luxury, but buyers choose based on performance and style. If fuel economy is near the top of your list you may want to view AMG MPG across all years to see if other models might be a better fit.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive in Comfort mode when you can. Sport and Sport+ modes use the engine’s full potential, which uses more fuel. Comfort mode reduces throttle response and shifts gears earlier, making driving more relaxed on your daily commute.

Keep the tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and make sure it matches the numbers in the owner’s manual.

Don’t let the engine idle too long. A large engine like the AMG GT’s V8 uses a lot of fuel when idling. If you’re waiting for more than a minute, turn off the engine.

Predict traffic and maintain a consistent speed. Frequent acceleration and braking waste fuel. By looking ahead and maintaining a consistent speed, you can improve your gas mileage and reduce brake wear.