16 MPG combined. That’s the headline number for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S 4matic Plus, and for anyone truly considering this 603-horsepower brute, it’s less a concern and more a statistic. This isn’t a vehicle purchased with fuel economy top-of-mind; it’s a luxury family hauler that just happens to be capable of hitting 60 mph in under 3.7 seconds. The GLE63 S exists for the driver who demands supercar-level performance, unflappable all-weather capability, and the opulent comfort of a Mercedes-Benz SUV, all wrapped in a package that turns heads and devours asphalt. Its fuel consumption is a byproduct of a meticulously engineered 4.0L biturbo V8, a powertrain built for exhilarating thrust, not Prius-like sips. Buyers of this vehicle understand the covenant: immense power comes with a commensurate appetite for premium unleaded. They aren’t looking for efficient; they’re looking for extraordinary.

City and highway performance

The 2025 AMG GLE63 S is rated at 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures perfectly show its dual nature. In city driving, especially with its twin-turbo V8 operating in its full, snarling glory, the 14 MPG is entirely expected. Stop-and-go traffic, frequent accelerations to get ahead of the pack, and the sheer inertia of a substantial luxury SUV with an AMG engine all contribute to this urban thirst. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission is brilliantly quick, but even its advanced engineering can only mitigate so much when 603 horses are eager to run. On the highway, the 19 MPG figure is actually quite respectable for a vehicle of this performance class. The 4.0L V8, when cruising at steady speeds and with the transmission settled into its higher gears, can operate with surprising docility. The partial integration of the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, while primarily designed to fill torque gaps and improve throttle response, also contributes marginally to maintaining efficiency during steady-state cruising and provides smooth engine restarts. It’s on the open road where the GLE63 S can truly stretch its legs, and while 19 MPG won’t win any awards among mainstream crossovers, it’s an impressive feat for a 5,500+ pound performance SUV.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,600 for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S. This figure is calculated based on an average of 15,000 miles driven per year, assuming a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving, and using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline. For prospective owners, this $3,600 is a line item, not a deterrent. It represents a small fraction of the vehicle’s six-figure purchase price and the associated costs of ownership, including insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. This is often an afterthought for individuals who prioritize the driving experience, the prestige, and the sheer capability that the AMG GLE63 S delivers. They are paying for uncompromised performance and luxury, and the fuel bill is simply part of that package, a known quantity when investing in a high-performance vehicle like this.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving conditions, most owners of the AMG GLE63 S can expect to see figures closely mirrored to the EPA estimates, sometimes even lower, depending on driving habits. The immense power on tap is addictive, and it’s difficult to resist exploring the full capabilities of that V8, which inevitably means more aggressive acceleration and higher fuel consumption. If you consistently drive in Sport+ mode, exploit the full thrust of the twin-turbo engine, and spend most of your time in urban environments, an average closer to the 14 MPG city rating, or even slightly below, is entirely probable. Conversely, extended highway trips with careful cruising can indeed see the 19 MPG achieved or even marginally surpassed. The “4matic Plus” all-wheel drive system, while brilliant for traction and handling, also adds a slight parasitic loss compared to a two-wheel-drive setup, which is factored into these numbers. Ultimately, real-world mileage in an AMG GLE63 S is less about the car’s absolute potential for economy and more about the driver’s willingness to temper their right foot.

How it compares

The 2025 AMG GLE63 S exists in a rarefied segment, where performance trumps efficiency, but comparisons still offer context. Its 16 MPG combined figure places it squarely in line with its direct competitors. The BMW X5 M Competition, for instance, with its 4.4L twin-turbo V8, delivers an identical 15 MPG combined (13 city/18 highway). Similarly, the Audi RS Q8, powered by a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with mild-hybrid tech, manages 16 MPG combined (14 city/20 highway). Even the Lamborghini Urus, sharing a platform and similar engine architecture, only achieves a comparable 16 MPG combined (14 city/19 highway). These vehicles are all built to deliver immense power and speed in an SUV body, and their fuel economy numbers reflect that engineering priority. For someone considering the AMG GLE63 S, comparing its MPG against these rivals confirms that its consumption is not an outlier but rather the expected cost of entry for this level of performance and luxury. It’s a segment where the Mercedes-Benz fuel economy data aligns perfectly with its brethren, focusing on horsepower and dynamic capabilities rather than miserly fuel use.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While maximizing fuel efficiency isn’t the primary goal for an AMG GLE63 S owner, there are still ways to optimize consumption without sacrificing the core driving experience too frequently. Using the “Comfort” or “Individual” drive mode for daily commuting can significantly impact your mileage. These modes soften throttle response, allow the transmission to shift earlier, and engage cylinder deactivation more readily, easing the V8’s thirst.

Maintaining consistent highway speeds and using the adaptive cruise control can also help. The AMG’s powertrain is most efficient when running at a steady pace, and avoiding unnecessary acceleration and deceleration allows the engine to operate within its more economical rev range.

Regular maintenance, including proper tire inflation and timely oil changes, directly contributes to optimal engine performance and efficiency. An engine that runs smoothly and tires that have the correct pressure reduce drag and friction, ensuring the vehicle isn’t working harder than it needs to.

Employing a smooth driving style is always beneficial. Gentle acceleration and planned braking, anticipating traffic rather than reacting abruptly, minimize the energy wasted through rapid changes in speed, helping to slightly extend the range between fill-ups for any high-performance vehicle from AMG MPG across all years.