The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S560 4matic achieves 21 MPG combined. It’s not going to win any fuel-sipping contests, and it’s certainly not a Prius competitor. Let’s be honest: the S560 isn’t purchased for its stellar fuel economy; it’s chosen for its unparalleled luxury, advanced technology, and effortless power. Fuel efficiency is a secondary consideration for buyers who prioritize a quiet and opulent driving experience above all else. They understand the trade-off. They want a twin-turbocharged V8, all-wheel drive grip, and a cabin that isolates them from the outside world. The S560 delivers that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 17 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway reflect the S560’s dual nature. In urban environments, stop-and-go traffic takes its toll, and the powerful V8 needs more fuel to get the heavy sedan moving from a standstill. However, the car’s 9-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel usage. Once on the open road, especially on long highway stretches, the S560 fares much better.

The overdrive gears allow the engine to cruise at lower RPMs, leading to improved fuel economy. The relatively high highway MPG means road trips are less painful on your wallet than you might expect, given the car’s performance capabilities.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S560 4matic at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price at the time of estimation. Your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use.

Premium fuel is recommended for the S560 to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the engine, which will increase cost compared to regular gasoline.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful benchmark, real-world fuel economy can change based on several factors. Aggressive driving, frequent hard acceleration, and consistent use of the car’s power-hungry features (such as the massaging seats or the high-end Burmester sound system) can all negatively impact fuel consumption. On the other hand, a gentle driving style, careful route planning to avoid traffic congestion, and diligent maintenance can help you get closer to the EPA estimates, but expect the number to be somewhat lower in average conditions.

Owners should consult sites like FuelEconomyHub for S560 MPG across all years to better understand real-world results.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the S560’s fuel economy is competitive within its class, but that’s not saying much about any car with a V8 engine. The BMW 750i xDrive, with its 4.4-liter V8, achieves a slightly lower 20 MPG combined. The Audi A8, depending on the engine configuration, may fare a little better, but opting for the V8 drops the combined MPG into a similar range.

Competitors like the Lexus LS 500h hybrid achieve significantly better fuel economy (around 29 MPG combined), but they also compromise in terms of outright power and driving experience. The S560 buyer prioritizes the V8’s immediate response and muscular performance, accepting the lower fuel economy as a tradeoff.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the car’s driving modes. Selecting “Comfort” or “Eco” mode will adjust the engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency over outright performance. This can lead to a noticeable improvement, especially in city driving.

Monitor your tire pressure regularly. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which helps improve fuel economy. Consult the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb for the recommended tire pressure for your S560.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turning off the engine can save fuel. The S560 has a stop/start feature that will do this automatically, but it must be engaged with each drive.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps to minimize unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which is a frequent cause of reduced MPG on longer trips.

Keep the vehicle well-maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and other routine maintenance tasks can help ensure that the engine is running efficiently. Check all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data to understand how proper maintenance extends to better fuel economy over the years.