18 MPG combined. That’s what you can expect with the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S 4matic Plus and its strong 4.0L V8. Let’s be clear: nobody shopping for this hand-built, 603-horsepower sedan is prioritizing fuel efficiency. This car exists to deliver scorching acceleration and a visceral driving experience above all else. The fuel bill? It’s simply the price of admission to this exclusive performance club.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the energy required to repeatedly launch a near-4,600-pound machine equipped with all-wheel drive. Stop-and-go traffic is the enemy of this car’s fuel economy.

The highway number is more palatable, but achieving it demands restraint. The AMG E63 S is capable of effortless triple-digit speeds, and maintaining them will dramatically reduce your MPG. Driven with even a bit of enthusiasm, expect that highway number to dip closer to the city figure.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,200 for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline, which this high-performance engine requires. It’s a significant sum, roughly equivalent to a high-end laptop or a very nice vacation. For owners of this car, however, it likely registers as a minor expense compared to the overall cost of ownership, including the initial purchase price, insurance, and potential maintenance.

Real-world expectations

Forget trying to replicate those EPA numbers in everyday driving. The allure of the AMG E63 S lies in its explosive power delivery, and resisting the urge to exploit it is a Herculean task. Expect to see MPG figures significantly lower than the official estimates, especially if your commute involves heavy traffic or frequent short trips. Aggressive acceleration, spirited cornering, and the intoxicating roar of the exhaust will all contribute to reduced fuel economy. Consider yourself forewarned: this car rewards driving pleasure, not fuel-sipping.

How it compares

The AMG E63 S exists in a rarefied segment. The BMW M5 Competition, another all-wheel-drive super sedan, achieves a slightly better, but still thirsty, 17 MPG combined. The Audi RS7, with its similar twin-turbo V8, posts an identical 18 MPG combined. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, while offering significantly more power and a plug-in hybrid system, only manages 20 MPG combined despite its electric assistance. These comparisons highlight that achieving reasonable fuel economy is simply not important for manufacturers in this class; performance reigns supreme. For more information on other models, view AMG MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the AMG E63 S isn’t designed for hypermiling, a few strategies can help you eke out slightly better fuel economy in everyday driving. First, resist the urge to constantly bury the throttle. Smooth, gradual acceleration conserves fuel, unlike the neck-snapping launches this car is so capable of.

Take advantage of the car’s various driving modes. The “Comfort” setting, while not transforming the AMG E63 S into a Prius, does soften throttle response and optimize transmission mapping for efficiency. It’s a far cry from the track-focused “Race” mode, and it does make a difference on longer drives.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Consult the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the correct pressure and check your tires regularly.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Modern engines use very little fuel at idle relative to older engines, but prolonged idling still wastes gas. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, particularly in hot weather with the air conditioning running, turn off the engine.

Finally, remember the big picture. While these tips can help, the fundamental reality remains: you’re driving a high-performance machine. If you’re truly concerned about fuel economy, this is the wrong car. For fuel data on other vehicles, view all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data.