17 MPG combined, a figure proudly displayed on the window sticker of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 4MATIC Plus, isn’t a badge of honor for frugality. Instead, it’s a mere footnote for a vehicle that exists to obliterate asphalt with a relentless 4.0L V8 and to coddle its occupants in unapologetic luxury. For the clientele who consider the GT 63 4-Door an essential part of their automotive portfolio, 17 MPG isn’t a trade-off; it’s the inevitable consequence of a 630+ horsepower, twin-turbocharged, all-wheel-drive missile designed to provide instantaneous, addictive thrust at any speed. This isn’t a hybrid, nor does it pretend to be one. It’s a full-throttle AMG experience, and its fuel consumption reflects that singular, uncompromising mission.

City and highway performance

Looking at the EPA’s numbers reveals a predictable split: 15 MPG in city driving and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure, 15 MPG, aligns perfectly with the GT 63 S’s character. Stop-and-go traffic, the bane of any high-performance V8, will see that 4.0L engine working harder to launch its substantial mass, even with the aid of the smooth 9-speed automatic transmission. Frequent accelerations, even mild ones, engage the potent boost and contribute to the thirst. Conversely, the 21 MPG highway rating is surprisingly respectable for a vehicle of this caliber. Cruising at sustained speeds, where the turbos aren’t constantly spooled and the engine can settle into a lower RPM range, allows the GT 63 4-Door to stretch its fuel a bit further. The aerodynamic profile, while aggressive, is also functional, aiding in this relative efficiency at speed. However, one must remember that “highway” in the context of an AMG often means maintaining exhilarating velocities, which will, naturally, bring those numbers down from the EPA’s controlled test environment.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA projects an annual fuel cost of $3,400 for a 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 4MATIC Plus. This figure is derived from an assumption of 15,000 miles driven per year, split evenly between city and highway conditions, and an average national fuel price. For the individual purchasing this particular machine, $3,400 per year represents a minimal fraction of the total cost of ownership. The buyer of an AMG GT 63 4-Door is less concerned with the minutiae of this fuel bill and more with the sheer exhilaration and prestige the vehicle offers. It’s a calculation based on utility, not luxury performance, and while informative, it rarely sways a purchase decision for this segment. This expense is simply a line item in the budget for maintaining access to a phenomenal driving experience, akin to premium insurance or routine high-performance maintenance, an expected cost of entry into exclusive automotive ownership.

Real-world expectations

In the real world, owners of the 2026 AMG GT 63 4MATIC Plus should anticipate their fuel economy figures to hover around, and often fall below, the EPA estimates, particularly if they exploit the car’s prodigious performance regularly. The intoxicating sound of that 4.0L biturbo V8, the relentless shove into the seat, and the effortless way it devours miles are precisely why this car exists. Moderation is not in its lexicon, and drivers who routinely engage the Sport + or Race modes, or frequently unleash its 630+ horsepower, will see city figures closer to the low teens and highway numbers closer to the high teens. On long, composed highway journeys where the driver exercises restraint, the 21 MPG highway figure is achievable. However, that’s not often the motivation behind acquiring an AMG. This is a car designed to be driven with passion, and passion consumes fuel. The occasional spirited sprint or an extended blast on an empty road will quickly remind you of the physics at play.

How it compares

The AMG GT 63 4-Door operates in a rarefied atmosphere, but it does have direct rivals, all with similar fuel appetites. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S, for instance, with its 4.0L twin-turbo V8, typically registers 15 MPG combined (14 city/20 highway). BMW’s M8 Gran Coupe Competition, packing its own twin-turbo V8, comes in slightly better at 17 MPG combined (15 city/22 highway). Audi’s RS 7 Sportback, usually with a 19 MPG combined rating (15 city/24 highway), uses a mild-hybrid system to achieve its slightly better figures, hinting at a different engineering priority. What these comparisons reveal is a remarkable consistency: high-performance, V8-powered, luxury four-door coupes all consume fuel at a comparable rate. The buyer of an AMG GT 63 4-Door isn’t cross-shopping based on MPG; they’re deciding on brand character, driving dynamics, interior ambiance, and outright performance. Each of these rivals offers a distinct flavor of blistering speed and exorbitant luxury, with fuel economy being a secondary consideration at best. For more on AMG MPG across all years, our comprehensive database highlights similar trends.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the 2026 AMG GT 63 4MATIC Plus isn’t a poster child for fuel efficiency, a few practical habits can help optimize its consumption without completely dulling its character. Gentle throttle inputs are important; avoiding gratuitous full-throttle bursts, especially from a standstill, significantly reduces the engine’s thirst for premium fuel. The smooth 9-speed transmission is designed to keep the V8 in its power band, but allowing it to upshift early and smoothly will aid in efficiency.

Use the vehicle’s “Comfort” or “Individual” drive mode settings where you can tailor drivetrain response. These modes will desensitize the throttle, cause the transmission to shift into higher gears sooner, and soften engine performance, making it easier to drive more sedately and conserve fuel around town or during long cruises.

Maintaining proper tire pressure is a simple yet effective way to ensure optimal fuel economy for any vehicle, including the AMG GT 63 4-Door. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check pressures weekly, especially with performance tires that can be sensitive to temperature changes.

Anticipate traffic flow and practice smooth, consistent driving. Hard acceleration followed by abrupt braking wastes fuel. Looking ahead and gently rolling off the throttle rather than slamming the brakes allows the car to coast, using its momentum and reducing the need for the engine to rebuild speed unnecessarily.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the trunk or backseat. While the AMG GT 63 4-Door is a substantial machine, every extra pound requires more energy to move. Removing golf clubs, spare luggage, or other heavy items when not needed contributes to marginal but noticeable improvements in efficiency. You can explore all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data for different models.