16 MPG combined. Some may see that as a failure to achieve lower fuel costs. But for the buyer of a 2020 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S650, it’s the understood price to enter a level of automotive luxury where terms like “practicality” and “efficiency” simply don’t apply. This isn’t just transportation, it’s a statement. It’s leather-lined, chrome-laden, V12-powered; those who have arrived rarely worry about the price of gasoline.

City and highway performance

The EPA’s 13 MPG city and 21 MPG highway ratings paint a clearer picture of the Maybach’s fuel consumption. That 6.0L, twin-turbocharged V12, hand-built by a single technician, requires a lot of gas. In the city, stop-and-go traffic quickly reveals the engine’s thirst. Out on the open road, while the mileage improves, the sheer displacement and unrelenting power still require a steady supply of premium fuel. Don’t expect sustained high-speed cruising to drastically alter those 21 MPG figures; the Maybach encourages, and often finds itself indulging in, swift bursts of acceleration that negate any potential fuel savings. With zero official or independent testing data available, we’re relying on the EPA ratings, which are often viewed optimistically under ideal conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S650 at $3,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a roughly 55/45 split between city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Consider this a baseline. Drivers with particularly heavy right feet, or those who spend more time in congested urban environments, can expect to exceed this figure considerably. Those considering a Maybach aren’t typically deterred by such numbers; fuel costs are more of a rounding error than a significant financial concern.

Real-world expectations

The reality is that the EPA figures represent an ideal scenario. The Maybach S650 is rarely driven in ideal scenarios. It’s used for chauffeured transport in bustling cities, for rapid cross-country journeys, and for making an entrance. These conditions rarely align with optimal fuel efficiency. Expect to see numbers closer to the city rating in mixed driving, and potentially even lower if your driving style is particularly aggressive. The weight of the vehicle, the power of the engine, and the inherent design emphasis on luxury over lightness all work against achieving anything resembling frugality. A driver focused on economical driving might see better results, however, those who pursue all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data are not, traditionally, efficiency-focused drivers.

How it compares

Compared to other ultra-luxury sedans, the Maybach’s fuel economy is typically at the lower end. A Rolls-Royce Phantom, with its larger 6.75L V12, achieves similar city MPG but sometimes delivers slightly better highway numbers. A Bentley Flying Spur V8 offers noticeably better fuel economy (around 19 MPG combined), albeit with a less powerful engine and a different driving experience. Even within the Mercedes-Benz family, the standard S-Class, particularly with a six-cylinder engine, offers significantly improved fuel economy. The point of comparison matters less to the Maybach buyer; they’re not cross-shopping based on MPG. They are prioritizing space, exclusivity, and a sense of occasion, accepting the fuel consumption as a byproduct of those choices, much like those looking up MAYBACH MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While squeezing every last drop of fuel from the Maybach’s tank might not be a primary concern, there are still a few strategies that can help improve efficiency. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking. The massive engine responds best to smooth, deliberate inputs. Harsh acceleration burns fuel unnecessarily, and heavy braking wastes the kinetic energy you’ve already paid to create.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended levels specified on the doorjamb sticker.

Minimize idling time. The V12 consumes a surprising amount of fuel when idling, particularly when the engine is cold. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, consider turning off the engine, though be aware of this strategy’s impact on wear to the starter.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on long journeys can help improve fuel economy by preventing unnecessary speed fluctuations. However, be mindful of the road conditions and traffic flow, and disengage cruise control when necessary.