20 MPG combined is what you should expect when you buy a 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S Coupe. To be clear, nobody buys this car because it sips fuel. They purchase it for its snarling 4.0L V8, its precisely tuned chassis, and the sheer thrill of its performance. Fuel economy is simply the price of admission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the C63 S Coupe gets 17 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go conditions where that potent V8 constantly coaxes the car forward, using more fuel. The highway number better represents relaxed cruising, although even then, the temptation to use the engine’s potential will quickly erase any efficiency gains. These numbers are typical for high-performance coupes with powerful engines, and show the trade-off between thrilling performance and reasonable fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S Coupe at $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway. It also factors in the national average fuel price for premium gasoline, which this high-compression engine requires. Keep in mind that fuel prices fluctuate, so your actual costs may vary depending on where you live and how much you drive. The $2,900 figure provides a solid baseline for understanding the ongoing expense of fueling this car.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized test, real-world MPG for the C63 S Coupe heavily depends on driving style. Drive gently, and you might approach the EPA numbers. Consistently enjoy the car’s performance, and you’ll likely see figures closer to 15 MPG in mixed driving. This car is about the emotional experience, not hypermiling. Aggressive acceleration and frequent use of the sport modes will significantly impact fuel consumption. Consider the EPA estimate an optimistic upper limit, achievable only with conscious effort.

How it compares

The C63 S Coupe’s fuel economy is similar to its direct competitors. The BMW M4 Competition, another high-performance coupe, achieves an EPA-estimated 18 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. The Audi RS 5 Coupe comes in at 18 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. While there are small differences, these vehicles exist in the same performance-oriented realm, prioritizing power and handling over outright fuel efficiency. This comparison matters because buyers in this segment know that compromises must be made to achieve this level of performance; fuel economy is usually acceptable if the car provides the expected driving experience. For a bigger picture, browse all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data. You can also compare AMG MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth and steady acceleration is your best bet for saving fuel in the C63 S Coupe. Avoid aggressive starts and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. Even small changes in driving habits can make a noticeable difference over time.

Select “Comfort” mode for everyday driving. This mode softens the throttle response and optimizes the transmission for efficiency. While it’s tempting to live in “Sport+” or “Race” mode, those settings prioritize performance and will drastically reduce fuel economy.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended levels specified on the door placard.

Minimize idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling wastes fuel unnecessarily.