18 MPG combined is the price of admission to the exclusive club of high-performance grand tourers like the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S Coupe. Let’s be honest, if you’re cross-shopping this hand-built, thunderously powerful machine against a Prius, you’re on the wrong website. This car is about raw emotion, explosive acceleration, and the kind of visceral driving experience that makes your pulse quicken. The fuel economy is what it is, and for the target demographic, it’s a tertiary concern at best.

City and highway performance

The AMG GT S Coupe’s official EPA ratings peg city driving at 16 MPG and highway cruising at 22 MPG. The split reflects the engine’s thirst for fuel during repeated acceleration and deceleration cycles in urban environments. On the open road, with consistent throttle input, the car fares comparatively better, but it’s still a far cry from fuel-sipping hybrids. The culprit is the prodigious output of the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 515 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque which, when fully unleashed, requires a significant amount of premium unleaded fuel.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S Coupe at $3,200. This figure assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a specific distribution between city and highway miles that mirrors average driving habits. The calculation is further based on the national average price of gasoline at the time the EPA performed its testing. Real-world fuel costs can vary considerably based on local gas prices, driving style, and the actual number of miles driven annually. $3,200 is a realistic benchmark for understanding the financial commitment required to keep this beast fed.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing framework, real-world fuel economy often deviates from the official figures. With the AMG GT S, the deviation tends to be on the lower side. The car’s intoxicating soundtrack and instantaneous power delivery encourage spirited driving, which invariably leads to increased fuel consumption. Owners who frequently engage the Sport or Sport+ driving modes, or visit a racetrack, should expect to see averages closer to the city rating, if not lower. Conversely, conservative drivers primarily using the car for long highway trips might achieve figures closer to, or even slightly above, the 22 MPG highway rating. But let’s be serious, the vast majority of AMG GT S owners aren’t buying this car to hypermile. If you want to see all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data, there are other cars that will be better for this.

How it compares

In the realm of high-performance coupes, the AMG GT S’s fuel economy is normal. The Porsche 911 Carrera S, with its turbocharged flat-six engine, manages a marginally better 21 MPG combined, but still requires premium fuel. The Jaguar F-Type R, with its supercharged V8, lands in a similar ballpark with an EPA-estimated 18 MPG combined. even all years with AMG MPG across all years will likely result in similar fuel economy. The BMW M8 Competition Coupe, boasting a monstrous twin-turbo V8, mirrors the AMG GT S’s 18 MPG combined rating. This comparison shows that the AMG GT S’s fuel consumption is not an outlier in its segment. Buyers are willing to sacrifice fuel efficiency for the unparalleled performance and prestige these vehicles offer.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While achieving stellar fuel economy in the AMG GT S is improbable, there are strategies to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Smooth, gradual inputs will significantly reduce the amount of fuel injected into the engine. The twin-turbo V8 responds very well to subtle changes in throttle position.

Use the car’s Comfort driving mode whenever possible, especially during city driving. This mode softens the throttle response and optimizes the transmission for fuel efficiency. The differences in behavior are quite substantial, minimizing fuel usage in day-to-day situations.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. Check your tires regularly and maintain the recommended pressure listed on the door jamb sticker. This alone will improve fuel economy noticeably.

Be mindful of unnecessary weight. Carrying excessive cargo in the trunk increases the overall weight of the vehicle, which negatively impacts fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items to lighten the load.

Service your car according to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements can all contribute to improved fuel economy.