Against 417 other V6 cars rated 2011–2013, the R-Class trails their 20.8 mpg average by 2.8 mpg, about $287 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2006, the 3L 6-cyl (2007–2008), does 21 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl (2006–2007), 14: $914 a year apart.
Every Mercedes-Benz R-Class engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | 18.5 / 25 | 2007–2008 | $1,829 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 15.2 / 19.8 | 2006–2013 | $2,299 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 12 / 17.5 | 2006–2007 | $2,743 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2013) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2011–2013 | +$287 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,620 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class gives up 5 mpg in town: 21 on the highway against 16 in the city, $571 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2013) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (31%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the R-Class changed over the years
The R-Class peaked in 2008 at 21 mpg (18 city, 24 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 15 — 6 mpg apart, or $731 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2013 car does 18. The biggest single-year change came in 2009: 21 to 16 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2012 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2011 | 15 / 19 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2010 | 14 / 19 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2009 | 15 / 19 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2008 | 18 / 24 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2007 | 15.5 / 22 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 2006 | 13.5 / 18.5 | 2 | $2,560 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 10 EPA ratings of the Mercedes-Benz R-Class — 3 engines across 2006–2013. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $4,620. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class get?
18 mpg combined, 16 city and 21 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2006 the R-Class has averaged 17 mpg.
Is the 2013 R-Class more efficient than the 2012?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which R-Class year has the best gas mileage?
The 2008, at 21 mpg combined (18 city, 24 highway).
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