The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450 4matic wagon gets 22 MPG combined. This isn’t the best, and certainly not record-setting. However, fuel economy isn’t the main draw for buyers interested in this comfortable, practical, luxurious wagon. The E450 has a potent engine and standard all-wheel drive. These owners value specific features, and consider fuel a secondary concern.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects the demands of stop-and-go traffic. The engine’s 362 horsepower and 9-speed automatic transmission are constantly working, and the car’s weight is a factor. On the highway, the E450 is more efficient. The 9-speed transmission has tall gearing, so the engine runs at lower RPMs, improving fuel efficiency. Knowing the city and highway differences helps drivers predict their fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450 4matic wagon at $2,650. This assumes 15,000 miles per year and average national fuel prices at the time of testing, which can change. This estimate is a standard for comparison, but real-world costs depend on driving habits, local fuel prices, and fuel grade. The fuel door sticker recommends premium fuel.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides standardized tests, but real-world MPG varies. Aggressive acceleration, short trips, and heavy loads will decrease fuel economy below the EPA estimates. Gentle driving, mostly highway miles, and good maintenance can improve MPG. The E450’s trip computer shows real-time and average fuel consumption, helping drivers monitor and adjust their driving. The 22 MPG combined rating is a benchmark, not a certainty. See E450 MPG across all years for more details.

How it compares

The E450 4matic wagon is in a small category. The Volvo V90 Cross Country, a similar wagon but less powerful, gets 25 MPG combined. The Audi A6 allroad has similar performance and luxury, but gets about 22 MPG combined. The BMW 540i xDrive sedan, another option, gets 25 MPG combined. The E450 isn’t the most efficient, but it has a mix of performance, luxury, and practicality that justifies its price for some.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keep the throttle steady and smooth. The E450’s turbocharger reacts quickly, which makes the car fun to drive, but using it hurts fuel economy. Anticipate traffic to avoid sudden acceleration and braking.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check tire pressure regularly and inflate to the recommended level on the door jamb sticker.

Avoid idling. The E450’s engine uses fuel even when stopped. Turn off the engine if you’ll be stopped for more than a minute. The automatic start/stop system can conserve fuel by shutting off the engine at stop lights: keep it on.

On the highway, use cruise control. Cruise control keeps a consistent speed, improving fuel economy on long drives. Watch the road and traffic, and turn off cruise control when needed. Adaptive cruise control will slightly lower fuel economy because the system brakes and accelerates more than a human driver.

Maintain the vehicle well. Regular maintenance, like oil and air filter changes and new spark plugs, keeps the engine running efficiently. A poorly maintained engine uses more fuel and creates more emissions. For all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data, do your research.