Mercedes-Benz C320
19 MPG The 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 is EPA-rated at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 789 gallons, $2526 a year in fuel, or $0.168 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2001–2005 run it averages 19 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 | $0.132 | $1316 | $1974 | $2632 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.158 | $1579 | $2368 | $3158 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.168 | $1684 | $2526 | $3368 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.184 | $1842 | $2763 | $3684 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.211 | $2105 | $3158 | $4211 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.237 | $2368 | $3553 | $4737 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.263 | $2632 | $3947 | $5263 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 19 MPG | 17 | 24 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 2004 | 19 MPG | 17 | 24 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 2003 | 19 MPG | 16.5 | 23.5 | $4075 | 469 | 2 |
| 2002 | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 2001 | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
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 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Mercedes-Benz C320 ranks 188 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Saab 900 (19.8), BMW 325xi (20), BMW 330xi (20), BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe (20), Cadillac CT4 V (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 468 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz C320 get?
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320 is rated at 19 MPG combined by the EPA — 17 city and 24 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 19 MPG, ranging from 18 to 20 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz C320 cost in fuel per year?
At 19 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 789 gallons — roughly $2526 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.168 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2005 model is $4050.
Has the Mercedes-Benz C320 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 19 MPG today against 19 in 2001 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mercedes-Benz C320 efficient for its class?
It ranks 188 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 7.6 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.