TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year
Comment
2014
The latest diesels tend to be much smoother, quieter, and more powerful than those of just a few years ago. But people still don't buy them for their smoothness, quietness, or quickness. Gas engines maintain a lead in these areas. People buy diesels for fuel economy, and here the Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTEC excels. Its EPA numbers are best-in-class: 28 mpg city and 42 mpg highway with rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and 27/38 with all-wheel-drive (AWD). Even in E400 Hybrid form the gasoline V6 in the E-Class manages only 24/30. The Audi A6 TDI, offered only with AWD, scores significantly lower than the E250 in city driving: 24/38. The BMW 535d splits the difference in city driving, but runs with the Audi on the highway: 26/38 with RWD and 26/37 with AWD.
So, based on the EPA numbers, the Mercedes has a significant fuel economy advantage, especially on the highway. Combine the EPA figures with a 21 gallon fuel tank, and the E250 BlueTEC can cover up to 900 miles between fill-ups. (This is especially attractive when you consider the sliminess of diesel fuel. Even much more than with gas, which largely evaporates when not contained, you do not want to spill any diesel on you or your clothing.)
Switching to the real-world numbers reported by the cars' trip computers, the Mercedes (tested with AWD) retains a clear edge over the Audi on the highway, where the trip computers reported 45 and 38, respectively. In suburban driving with a light right foot the results were closer, about 40 to 37. I did test the Mercedes in the Bay Area of California, rather than back home in Michigan. On my usual suburban route it probably would have managed a few more miles per gallon. Also add two-to-three mpg for RWD rather than AWD.
Most of my driving in the E250 was done along the scenic California coast, where a leisurely drive with infrequent stops but plentiful hilly curves netted 37 mpg on the way south and 41 on the return. Quite good for a fairly heavy all-wheel-drive luxury sedan--but the Audi (based on similar driving in an A7 TDI) would have been close.
The real challenge comes from BMW. In my suburban driving the 535d's trip computer reported from 37 to 47, with low 40s typical. On one highway drive it reported an astounding 53.8 (but on another a mere 38). The tested 535d was RWD. Even so, if both trip computers were similarly accurate the BMW could be about as efficient as the Mercedes in real-world driving, while being considerably more powerful.
Also, the 535d isn't the only BMW diesel sedan available in North America. If you can live with less interior space and less power, the Bavarians also offer the 328d (compared to the E250 here). The much lighter, four-cylinder car achieves EPA ratings of 32/45 with RWD and 31/43 with AWD, suggesting a clear advantage in city and suburban driving if not on the highway.
see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review
What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Diesel delivers 40+ MPG at reasonable (70 mpg) highway speed, around 29 mpg around town. Diesel is quiet and powerful. Acceleration is awesome. Average 575 miles per tank.
see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review
4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
The 4matic full time all wheel drive means the absolute best of 100% highway cruising only gave me 27 MPG. In the city I usually average under 15 MPG.
see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review
2007
4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
4dr Sedan supercharged 469hp 5.4L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
While my AMG was an iron beast something is wrong when so many gas station attendants know you on a first name basis. With the cost of premium fuel and an average of 14 mpg it was time to say goodbye.
see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review
2003
4dr Sedan 302-horsepower 5.0L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
Unlike other fuel economy surveys, TrueDelta's Real-World Gas Mileage Survey includes questions about how and
where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's
real-world MPG based on how and where you drive a car.
TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class
What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class
7-speed shiftable automatic AWD
7-speed shiftable automatic RWD
7-speed shiftable automatic RWD
7-speed shiftable automatic RWD
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD
5-speed shiftable automatic RWD