Fuel efficiency: Mercedes cars with the best MPG
Want a reliable Mercedes that also offers great fuel economy? Here are some of the best Mercedes cars for fuel efficiency
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Best Mercedes for fuel efficiency
If you’re after a luxurious daily car but also need to factor in running costs, there are plenty of fuel-efficient Mercedes models available.
Whether you’re after a sleek coupé like the E-Class or a larger SUV such as the GLE, we’ve got some great options for you, all of which offer strong MPG figures thanks to strong plug-in hybrid (PHEV) systems.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
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Mercedes C-Class fuel economy:
Petrol: 40.4-44.1mpg
Diesel: 53.3-2.8mpg
PHEV: 470.8-565mpg
The C-Class is one of the most important cars for Mercedes. Not only is it a big seller in the posh saloon (and estate) market, but it also rivals the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.
One of the main attractions of the C-Class is its wide range of economical engine options, spanning from the entry-level petrol with 44.1mpg all the way to the top-of-the-range PHEV that offers up to 565mpg – the highest of almost any hybrid on the market.
Additionally, the C-Class emits around 130g/km of CO2, which measures the amount of fumes from the exhaust pipe against the number of kilometres driven.
The C-Class is a great all-rounder and can be suited to a family or a single person, offering great practicality, performance and, most importantly, efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
 "Mercedes GLA")
Mercedes GLA fuel economy:
Petrol: 28.8-42.8mpg
Diesel: 47.1-53.3mpg
PHEV: 188.3-201.8mpg
If you love the A-Class but want a little more space and a higher driving position, that’s where the GLA steps in.
This crossover SUV has grown in popularity in recent years, as have many small SUVs, but this was one of the first.
It can be had as either a petrol, diesel, or plug-in hybrid, with the latter being the most economical – offering up to 201.8mpg in its most efficient form and emitting 151g/km of CO2.
While you may think a larger SUV is what you need, a smaller SUV is often perfectly sufficient – plus they tend to be cheaper to buy and more affordable to run.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
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Mercedes CLA fuel economy:
Petrol: 36.7-47.9mpg
Diesel: 52.3-56.5mpg
PHEV: 235.4-282.5mpg
Like the GLA, the CLA also piggybacks on the A-Class and sits as a sleeker coupé version in the model’s lineup.
It’s available with a petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid set-up, with the best offering up to 282.5mpg and emitting 133g/km of CO2.
We’d say this car is great for someone who wants to look good on the road, because the CLA really stands out, but it doesn’t take it too far. You can also have it as a shooting brake, which gives you estate-like practicality but with a cooler design.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
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Mercedes E-Class fuel economy:
Petrol: 22.8-39.8mpg
Diesel: 37.7-57.7mpg
PHEV: 134.5-188.3mpg
Diesel PHEV: 176.6-235.4mpg
The E-Class is one of the most popular cars Mercedes sells because it appeals to families, airport taxi drivers, and petrolheads with the powerful E63 AMG model. It's a true luxury car with a great MPG figure.
Engine options range from the standard petrol and diesel options to a plug-in hybrid petrol and slightly more unusual diesel PHEV, which offers up to 235.4mpg.
E-Class models also emit 122g/km of CO2, which is slightly higher than before, but this is due to new WLTP measures.
Overall, this model is great for a wide range of different people, from couples to large families who can make the most of the estate version, which has enough space for a dog or large suitcases.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
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Mercedes A-Class fuel economy:
Petrol: 30.7-47.9mpg
Diesel: 44.1-64.2mpg
PHEV: 217.3-282.5mpg
The A-Class is Mercedes’ most popular hatchback, with thousands being sold every year – impressive for a model that sits right at the bottom of the brand’s model lineup.
One of the reasons for its popularity is its small proportions, nippy engines, and overall fuel economy.
You can have it with either a petrol, diesel or PHEV, with the hybrid giving you the best fuel efficiency at up to 282.5mpg, with a CO2 production figure of 130g/km.
It can be had as either a saloon or hatchback, meaning it’s suitable for many people. While it may not have a large boot, the A-Class is still practical, with enough space for your weekly food shop or a trip to the airport.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
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Mercedes B-Class fuel economy:
Petrol: 34.5-47.1mpg
Diesel: 51.4-61.4mpg
PHEV: 235.4-256.8mpg
Imagine the size of the A-Class but with the underpinnings of the GLA SUV. Sound good? Splendid, because that’s exactly what the Mercedes B-Class is.
What sets it apart from similar cars is that it’s in-between a hatchback and MPV, meaning it’s practical but doesn’t feel as large on the road.
It’s also very economical. You can have it with either a petrol, diesel or PHEV, which offers an astonishing 256.8mpg and emits 124g/km of CO2.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
 "Mercedes-AMG GLE 63")
Mercedes GLE fuel economy:
Petrol: 26.2-32.5mpg
Diesel: 29.1-41.5mpg
PHEV: 256.8-282.5mpg
Diesel PHEV: 313.9-353.1mpg
What’s better than a diesel car when it comes to fuel economy? A plug-in hybrid of course, because then you get amazing MPG ratings when both the engine and electric motor work together – up to 353.1mpg.
Because of this impressive MPG, the GLE’s official CO2 emission is just 22g/km, but note that this will rise without the help of an electric motor.
The GLE SUV is perfectly suited to those who want a luxurious SUV with a great interior and a large boot.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
 "Mercedes GLB")
Mercedes GLB fuel economy:
Petrol: 38.7-40.4mpg
Diesel: 49.6mpg
Since small SUVs are so popular, Mercedes figured it would jump on the bandwagon with the GLB and offer a posh interior, boxy styling, and good fuel efficiency.
You can have it with either a petrol or diesel engine, offering either 40.4mpg or 49.6mpg with the diesel.
It closely rivals the more expensive Land Rover Discovery Sport and Skoda Kodiaq, which are much larger cars, but the GLB is special because it’s an economical seven-seater – making it one of the smallest you can buy.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
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Mercedes GLC fuel economy:
Petrol: 21.6-34.5mpg
Diesel: 32.8-47.9mpg
PHEV: 104.6-122.8mpg
Diesel PHEV: 148.7-156.9mpg
Mid-sized SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai and BMW X3 are some of the best cars you can buy for your family, and the GLC slots in to complete the trio.
With a vast range of engines on offer and a great interior, there are very few reasons why you shouldn’t consider one.
It can be had with either a petrol or diesel engine, but then there are also petrol and diesel plug-in hybrid options if you want to eke out as much economy as possible – up to 156.9mpg in fact.
The GLC also emits 194g/km, but this will be lower with the plug-in hybrid option.
Fuel-saving tips
Buying an economical car is one thing, but if you’re driving like a hooligan then you won’t be reaping the benefits. So, here are some ways you can save fuel while driving.
Don’t accelerate or brake too quickly
These two actions go hand-in-hand, because if you have a heavy right foot on either pedal then you won’t be getting the best fuel economy you could be.
This is because it takes more fuel to accelerate more often after braking, so this is something to bear in mind.
Stick to the speed limit
This should be a given, but it also relates to fuel economy. Why do you think the Bugatti Chiron can drain its entire 100-litre fuel tank in 12 minutes? This is because when it drives at its top speed, it’s drinking so much fuel.
So next time you think about driving a bit silly, make a mental note that it’ll not only save your life but also your wallet.
Keep on top of vehicle maintenance
Like speeding, this is something that should be taken into consideration throughout vehicle ownership, whether it’s caring for your tyres or checking your engine oil.
Regular vehicle servicing will save you so much money in the long run, and a happy car equals better fuel economy.