Mercedes-Benz S500
17 MPG The 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 is EPA-rated at 17 MPG combined (14 city / 22 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 882 gallons, $2824 a year in fuel, or $0.188 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1996–2006 run it averages 16.5 MPG, improving by 1 MPG over 11 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 | $0.147 | $1471 | $2206 | $2941 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.176 | $1765 | $2647 | $3529 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.188 | $1882 | $2824 | $3765 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.206 | $2059 | $3088 | $4118 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.235 | $2353 | $3529 | $4706 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.265 | $2647 | $3971 | $5294 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.294 | $2941 | $4412 | $5882 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 17 MPG | 14 | 22 | $4550 | 523 | 1 |
| 2005 | 17 MPG | 14 | 22 | $4550 | 523 | 1 |
| 2004 | 17 MPG | 14 | 22 | $4550 | 523 | 1 |
| 2003 | 16 MPG | 14 | 20 | $4800 | 555 | 1 |
| 2002 | 17 MPG | 14 | 21 | $4550 | 523 | 1 |
| 2001 | 17 MPG | 14 | 21 | $4550 | 523 | 1 |
| 2000 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $4550 | 523 | 1 |
| 1999 | 16 MPG | 13 | 20 | $4800 | 555 | 1 |
| 1998 | 16 MPG | 13 | 20 | $4800 | 555 | 1 |
| 1997 | 16 MPG | 14 | 19 | $4800 | 555 | 1 |
| 1996 | 16 MPG | 14 | 19 | $4800 | 555 | 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 149 large cars models tracked here, the Mercedes-Benz S500 ranks 117 on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Caprice (17.3), BMW 550i xDrive Gran Turismo (18), BMW 740il (18), Buick Roadmaster (18), Cadillac Brougham (18).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 523 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz S500 get?
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz S500 is rated at 17 MPG combined by the EPA — 14 city and 22 highway. Across all 11 model years in the database it averages 16.5 MPG, ranging from 16 to 17 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz S500 cost in fuel per year?
At 17 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 882 gallons — roughly $2824 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.188 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2006 model is $4550.
Has the Mercedes-Benz S500 become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 16 MPG in 1996 to 17 in 2006 — an improvement of 1 MPG, or 6% across 11 model years.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S500 efficient for its class?
It ranks 117 of 149 in the Large Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 21.6 MPG. That is 4.6 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.