The 2016 Mercedes C63 Amg is a performance beast, no doubt. Boasting a handcrafted 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, it delivers exhilarating power and a driving experience that’s hard to match. However, lurking beneath the surface of roaring engines and blistering acceleration is a question that often surfaces among enthusiasts and prospective buyers alike: what’s the real-world fuel economy like? Advertised figures often paint a rosy picture, but owner experiences can tell a different story. Let’s dive into the discussions and realities surrounding the 2016 C63 AMG’s MPG.
The MPG Variance: Owner Experiences Speak Volumes
Online forums and owner communities are rife with discussions about the fuel consumption of the 2016 C63 AMG. One owner, who previously drove an older M156 C63 AMG, expressed significant disappointment with their 2016 model’s fuel economy. They reported struggling to achieve even 15 MPG in typical driving conditions, even with conscious efforts to drive economically. A long motorway journey yielded only 24.7 MPG, achieved with minimal accessory use and very careful throttle input. In regular comfort mode driving, they frequently saw figures between 9.4 and 13 MPG, which they deemed “astonishing and unreasonable” for a car marketed as a family vehicle with claimed extra-urban figures of 42.2 MPG.
This sentiment isn’t isolated. Another C63 coupe owner corroborated this, stating they were only getting around 14.4 MPG in varied driving conditions. These experiences immediately highlight a significant gap between manufacturer claims and real-world fuel consumption.
However, the picture isn’t entirely bleak. Some owners report considerably better figures. One C63S estate owner mentioned achieving 28 MPG on longer runs and 26 MPG during daily commutes involving dual carriageway driving. Even when driven more enthusiastically, they still saw figures in the low 20s. Another owner with a 2015 C63 saloon reported getting late teens MPG around town even with spirited driving. On motorway journeys, they’ve seen 28-29 MPG and even achieved 31.1 MPG during a run-in period with economical driving. They emphasized maintaining 77 mph on cruise control for motorway runs.
These contrasting reports underline the significant variability in fuel economy experienced by 2016 Mercedes C63 AMG owners.
Decoding the MPG Puzzle: Factors at Play
Several factors can contribute to the wide range of MPG figures reported for the 2016 C63 AMG.
Driving Style: This is perhaps the most influential factor. The C63 AMG is designed for performance, and its powerful V8 engine is naturally thirsty when pushed. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and high-speed driving will drastically reduce fuel economy. Conversely, a gentler, more economical driving style with smooth acceleration and anticipation of traffic flow can improve MPG.
Driving Conditions: Urban driving with stop-and-go traffic is inherently less fuel-efficient than motorway cruising. Short trips, where the engine doesn’t reach optimal operating temperature, also tend to consume more fuel. Motorway driving at a constant speed, especially with cruise control, generally yields the best MPG.
Vehicle Condition and Maintenance: A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently. Factors like tire pressure, engine air filter condition, and spark plug health can all subtly affect fuel economy. Although not explicitly mentioned in the original text, these are general automotive maintenance points that impact MPG.
Environmental Factors: Cold weather can slightly decrease fuel economy. Denser cold air allows for more fuel combustion, potentially increasing power but also fuel consumption. This effect is more pronounced in turbocharged engines like the one in the 2016 C63 AMG.
Fuel Quality: The original forum thread touches upon fuel RON rating. Higher octane fuel, as recommended for performance engines like the C63 AMG, ensures optimal combustion and performance. Using lower octane fuel might negatively impact performance and potentially fuel efficiency.
Imperial vs. US Gallons: One user in the forum suggested checking if the car’s computer was set to imperial or US gallons, as this could cause confusion. US gallons are smaller than imperial gallons, so misreading the setting could lead to inaccurate MPG perceptions.
Is the Fuel Consumption Unreasonable for a 2016 C63 AMG?
Ultimately, whether the fuel economy of a 2016 Mercedes C63 AMG is “unreasonable” is subjective and depends on individual expectations and priorities. It’s crucial to remember that this is a high-performance vehicle with a powerful V8 engine. Fuel efficiency is generally not the primary design goal for such cars.
Compared to its predecessor, the M156 6.2-liter V8 C63 AMG, the 2016 model with its 4.0-liter biturbo engine was intended to be more fuel-efficient. However, as the initial forum post highlights, real-world improvements might be negligible or not meet advertised expectations for some owners.
When considering cars in the same performance category, such as the BMW M3/M4, fuel economy can be comparable, and sometimes even worse in certain driving conditions, as noted by one forum participant regarding their CLK 280 versus M4.
For those prioritizing fuel economy, the 2016 C63 AMG is likely not the ideal choice. However, for enthusiasts who value exhilarating performance, a thrilling driving experience, and the unmistakable sound of a V8 engine, the fuel consumption, while potentially lower than advertised, might be an acceptable trade-off. Managing expectations and understanding the factors influencing MPG are key to appreciating the 2016 Mercedes C63 AMG for what it truly is: a performance icon with a thirst to match its power.
