16 MPG combined. Let’s be frank: Nobody buying a 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 with its strong 6.0L V12 is losing sleep over fuel economy. This isn’t transportation; it’s transportation as a statement. It’s a velvet hammer, a missile wrapped in leather and wood, and the cost of feeding it is simply part of the equation for the elite who can afford its considerable price tag.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates provide a breakdown of that 16 MPG rating, showing 13 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. While the highway number is respectable for an engine producing 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, the city figure reflects the reality of hauling around two tons of meticulously crafted metal and composite through stop-and-go traffic. The 7-speed automatic transmission, tuned for both smooth cruising and rapid downshifts under hard acceleration, inevitably saps some efficiency in urban environments.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2020 AMG S65 is $3,600. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a presumed mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. Owners should be aware that fuel prices fluctuate, and individual driving habits will significantly impact their actual fuel expenses. However, $3,600 per year offers a benchmark, a quantifiable cost for indulging in the S65’s unique combination of power and prestige.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world mileage will vary. Aggressive driving, frequent use of the car’s power, and extended idling in traffic will inevitably lead to lower fuel economy. Conversely, a relaxed driving style on long highway stretches might allow some owners to approach or even slightly exceed the EPA’s 22 MPG highway estimate. However, expecting to consistently achieve significantly better mileage than the EPA combined rating is unrealistic.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance luxury sedans, the AMG S65 occupies a unique position. The BMW M760i xDrive, with its 6.6L V12, achieves a slightly better 17 MPG combined. The Audi S8, powered by a 4.0L V8, boasts a more frugal 18 MPG combined, while offering a similar blend of luxury and performance. Even the V8-powered AMG S63 manages around 19 MPG combined. This highlights how the S65 buyer makes a conscious choice to prioritize the specific character and responsiveness of the V12 engine, accepting the trade-off in fuel economy. They are not shopping for the most efficient option in the segment; the S65 is about the experience above all else.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While extracting Prius-level fuel economy from an AMG S65 is impossible, some strategies can help minimize fuel consumption. Gentle acceleration and avoiding unnecessary hard braking can significantly improve mileage, especially in city driving. The S65 might tempt you to blast away from every stoplight, but restraint helps.

Ensure that the tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check the tire pressure regularly and adjust as needed, considering ambient temperature changes.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine run while stationary for extended periods consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine.

Use cruise control on the highway whenever possible. Maintaining a consistent speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, contributing to better fuel economy on long trips. This is particularly effective on relatively flat stretches of road.

Consider the Drive Select modes and experiment with the “Comfort” setting, which optimizes the engine and transmission for fuel efficiency. Selecting “Sport” or “Sport+” will provide heightened performance at the expense of fuel consumption. Remember to browse all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data to see how the S65 compares to other models in the lineup. And check out AMG MPG across all years.