The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren does 21.7 mpg combined (18.8 city, 26.2 highway), which works out to about $1,770 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 23.5 mpg while 2.5L 6-cyl does 20.5 — a difference of $239 a year. Against other V6 cars it sits above the average of 19.8 mpg.
Every Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 | 20.5 / 28.5 | 2004–2005 | $1,634 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 18 / 25 | 2008–2009 | $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 | $0.147 |
| Fuel per year | $1,770 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,850 |
| Against other V6 cars | −$169 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,567 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 | 18.8 mpg | $2,043 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26.2 mpg | $1,466 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7.4 mpg (39%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the SLR McLaren 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2008 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2007 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2006 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2005 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2004 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 |
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 SLR McLaren get?
21.7 mpg combined on average — 18.8 in the city and 26.2 on the highway, per EPA ratings across 2004–2009.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren cost in fuel per year?
About $1,770 at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon — roughly $8,850 over five years, or 0.147 dollars a mile.
Which SLR McLaren engine is the most economical?
The 1.8L 4-cyl at 23.5 mpg, against 20.5 for the 2.5L 6-cyl — a difference of about $239 a year.
Is the SLR McLaren 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.