Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3
20.5 MPG The 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 is EPA-rated at 20.5 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 732 gallons, $2341 a year in fuel, or $0.156 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1987–1993 run it averages 20.6 MPG, essentially flat across 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.122 | $1220 | $1829 | $2439 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.146 | $1463 | $2195 | $2927 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.156 | $1561 | $2341 | $3122 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.171 | $1707 | $2561 | $3415 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.195 | $1951 | $2927 | $3902 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.220 | $2195 | $3293 | $4390 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.244 | $2439 | $3659 | $4878 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3750 | 434 | 2 |
| 1992 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3750 | 434 | 2 |
| 1991 | 21 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 1988 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 24 | $3750 | 434 | 2 |
| 1987 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 24 | $3750 | 434 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 ranks 152 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Hyundai Tiburon (20.8), Subaru XT 4WD (20.8), BMW 135i Convertible (21), Chrysler LeBaron Convertible (21), Ford Mustang (21).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 434 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 get?
The 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 is rated at 20.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 18 city and 25 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 20.6 MPG, ranging from 20 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 cost in fuel per year?
At 20.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 732 gallons — roughly $2341 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.156 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1993 model is $3750.
Has the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 20.5 MPG today against 20.5 in 1987 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 efficient for its class?
It ranks 152 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 3.7 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.