19 MPG combined is simply not the point with the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S 4matic Plus (SW). Let’s be brutally honest: nobody shelling out well over $100,000 for a hand-built, twin-turbocharged V8 performance wagon is prioritizing fuel efficiency. They are buying a sledgehammer wrapped in exquisitely stitched leather, a machine capable of hauling five adults and their luggage at speeds that would make lesser sports cars spontaneously combust. The E63 S wagon is about power, presence, and practicality in the most unapologetically excessive way possible, and the fuel economy is merely the cost of admission to this very exclusive club.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the E63 S wagon at 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure, achieved while navigating stop-and-go traffic and short bursts of acceleration, reflects the significant amount of energy required to repeatedly get its considerable mass moving. The high-speed cruising figure of 24 MPG isn’t terrible, but it is optimistic. Achieving that on the open road requires a measured right foot and a willingness to resist the urge to exploit the engine’s vast reserves of power for passing maneuvers or simply the sheer joy of acceleration. Few E63 S owners demonstrate that level of restraint in the real world.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S wagon is $3,050. 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, using national average fuel prices. It is a benchmark to allow comparison against other vehicles, but your actual costs could be significantly higher. This is especially true if you frequently engage in spirited driving, which the E63 S actively encourages, or if you live in an area with higher-than-average fuel prices. Consider this $3,050 a bare minimum expense; some owners might spend double that amount feeding their AMG’s insatiable appetite for premium gasoline. Always check all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data to get the full picture.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers. In the real world, expect significantly lower figures, especially if you live in a congested urban environment or frequently exploit the car’s performance potential. A combined MPG of 15-17 is a more realistic expectation for most drivers. Aggressive driving will plummet those numbers, while hypermiling techniques are unlikely to yield significant improvements. The E63 S has a heavy right foot bias; its prodigious power and intoxicating exhaust note make resisting temptation difficult. The car whispers promises of speed and exhilaration with every blip of the throttle, and few owners can resist answering the call. Consequently, fuel economy takes a back seat to the driving experience. Find out more about AMG MPG across all years.

How it compares

The Audi RS6 Avant, a direct competitor to the E63 S wagon, posts similar EPA figures, hovering around 15 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, another performance wagon alternative, is slightly better potentially, achieving around 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. However, like the E63 S, these numbers are highly dependent on driving style. What the Mercedes-Benz delivers compared to these competitors is that characteristic hand-built AMG engine which is highly sought after due to its performance figures and that characteristic AMG sound.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While squeezing every last mile out of a gallon might not be the primary concern of an E63 S owner, there are a few techniques that can help minimize fuel consumption without completely sacrificing the driving experience.

Employ the “Comfort” driving mode whenever possible. It softens throttle response and encourages earlier upshifts, reducing unnecessary fuel burn around town. It may dull the car’s aggressive edge slightly, but it is a worthwhile compromise during mundane commutes.

Avoid unnecessary idling. The E63 S’s engine consumes a surprising amount of fuel when stationary. Modern engines start quickly and reliably, so there’s no need to let it run unnecessarily, even for brief periods.

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 for optimal efficiency and tire life.

Resist the urge to constantly accelerate and decelerate aggressively. Smooth, deliberate driving minimizes wasted energy and improves fuel economy. Anticipate traffic flow and avoid sudden braking whenever possible.