The Mercedes-Benz R-Class does 21.9 mpg combined (18.9 city, 26.6 highway), which works out to about $1,753 a year in fuel at $3.20 a gallon and 12,000 miles. Engine choice matters more than you'd think: 1.8L 4-cyl does 25 mpg while 2.5L 6-cyl does 20.5 — a difference of $337 a year. Against other V6 cars it sits above the average of 19.8 mpg.
Every Mercedes-Benz R-Class engine, compared
Picking the right version of the same car often saves more fuel than picking a different car altogether. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 21.5 / 31 | 2012–2013 | $1,536 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 18 / 25.3 | 2008–2011 | $1,829 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 18 / 25 | 2006–2007 | $1,873 |
What that actually costs
Miles per gallon is an abstraction; the fuel bill is not. Here it is in money, at 12,000 miles a year and $3.20 a gallon.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile | $0.146 |
| Fuel per year | $1,753 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,765 |
| Against other V6 cars | −$186 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,438 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The gap between city and highway figures tells you whom the car suits. A wide gap punishes stop-and-start traffic; a narrow one means the car doesn't care where you drive it.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City | 18.9 mpg | $2,032 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26.6 mpg | $1,444 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7.7 mpg (41%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the R-Class changed over the years
Combined figure by model year. Jumps usually mark a new generation or a new engine; dips often mean a heavier body or added all-wheel drive.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 22 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2012 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2011 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2010 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2009 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2008 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2007 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2006 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
Fuel-economy figures come from EPA fueleconomy.gov — the same laboratory numbers printed on the window sticker. We don't adjust them; real-world consumption depends on how and where you drive.
What we add is money. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon — change either and the ranking stays, only the size of the bill moves. Cost per mile is the same figure divided out, useful when comparing a commute against a weekend car.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the Mercedes-Benz R-Class get?
21.9 mpg combined on average — 18.9 in the city and 26.6 on the highway, per EPA ratings across 2006–2013.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz R-Class cost in fuel per year?
About $1,753 at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon — roughly $8,765 over five years, or 0.146 dollars a mile.
Which R-Class engine is the most economical?
The 1.8L 4-cyl at 25 mpg, against 20.5 for the 2.5L 6-cyl — a difference of about $337 a year.
Is the R-Class good on fuel compared with similar cars?
Against other V6 cars it sits above the average of 19.8 mpg, computed across 6170 ratings.
Are these real-world figures?
No — they are EPA laboratory ratings, the same ones on the window sticker. Real consumption depends on driving style, terrain, load and weather, and is typically a little worse.