23 MPG combined is the price of admission to the exclusive club of open-air performance provided by the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 4matic Plus Convertible. No one buys a hand-finished, AMG-enhanced convertible for its thrifty fuel consumption, but for the sound, the style, and the effortless power. The fuel economy is simply a detail, albeit one worth understanding.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway for the AMG E53 Convertible. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go reality of urban driving, which this car handles gracefully, thanks to its smooth 9-speed automatic transmission and mild-hybrid assist. The highway number, while seemingly respectable, requires some restraint. This car is built for comfortable cruising at higher speeds, and the more you tap into the 429 horsepower on tap, the more those highway MPG figures will resemble the city numbers. Dropping the top and stretching the car’s legs impacts fuel consumption predictably. The 4matic all-wheel drive system contributes to sure-footed handling in all conditions. It’s also working hard, adding weight and mechanical losses that impact fuel economy. The E53 prioritizes performance and confidence over ultimate efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 4matic Plus Convertible is approximately $2,500. 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. It’s calculated using the national average fuel price at the time the EPA performed their testing. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on several factors, including your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. Premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance, which will lead to higher per-gallon costs and increase that $2,500 figure.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized baseline, expect your real-world MPG to change based on your driving style and environment. A lead foot will easily drop the combined MPG into the high teens or low twenties. Conscientious drivers on long highway journeys might see figures approaching 30 MPG, but achieving the EPA’s 27 MPG consistently requires significant effort. Owners who appreciate the AMG’s performance capabilities and frequently engage the sportier driving modes should budget for fuel costs exceeding the EPA estimate. The sound of the AMG-enhanced engine egging you on to push harder does not help.

How it compares

The AMG E53 Convertible exists in a rarefied segment, but comparisons can be drawn. The BMW M4 Competition Convertible offers similar performance and a slightly more aggressive driving experience. It achieves an EPA-estimated 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway, showing the trade-off between raw power and fuel efficiency. A Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, though substantially more expensive, manages around 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, highlighting that performance and open-top thrills come at a cost. Even within the Mercedes-Benz family, glancing at all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data shows that the AMG E53 prioritizes experience over frugality compared to a non-AMG E-Class. Potential buyers must weigh the allure of AMG performance against the realities of fuel consumption. Exploring AMG MPG across all years reveals a consistent pattern: performance engineering typically means visits to the gas station.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While outright fuel efficiency isn’t the core mission of the AMG E53, some techniques can help you minimize fuel consumption without sacrificing too much of the driving experience. Be mindful of your acceleration. The AMG’s turbocharger responds readily to throttle input, but smooth, progressive acceleration avoids unnecessary fuel burn. Think ahead and anticipate traffic flow to minimize hard braking and sudden acceleration.

Use the car’s driving modes strategically. Comfort mode dampens throttle response and optimizes the transmission for efficiency. While Sport and Sport+ modes unlock the car’s full potential, they also significantly impact fuel consumption. Choose the appropriate mode for the situation, and don’t feel obligated to drive in the most aggressive setting all the time. The mild-hybrid system provides a small electric boost that can reduce fuel consumption during initial acceleration.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and maintain them at the recommended levels. Also, consider the weight you’re carrying; removing unnecessary cargo can reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency, however marginally.

Minimize idling. Modern engines are designed to be efficient when running, and idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, consider turning off the engine. This is especially relevant in urban environments with frequent traffic stops.