Mercedes-Benz Fuel Efficiency and Electric Range: The Ultimate Guide to the Top 10 Models

Mercedes-Benz Fuel Efficiency and Electric Range: The Ultimate Guide to the Top 10 Models

Mercedes-Benz is renowned for producing some of the most luxurious and high-performance vehicles on the market. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 best-selling Mercedes-Benz models and dive deep into their fuel efficiency, electric range, and capacity specifications across different variants and generations. Whether you’re in the market for a new Mercedes or simply curious about how these premium vehicles perform, this article will provide you with expert insights and trustworthy data to inform your understanding.

1. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The C-Class has long been one of Mercedes-Benz’s most popular models, offering an ideal blend of luxury, performance, and efficiency in a compact executive car package.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes equipped with a 17.4-gallon (66-liter) fuel tank across all variants. This generous capacity allows for extended driving ranges between fill-ups, enhancing the convenience factor for C-Class owners.

Fuel Efficiency

The 2024 C-Class C 300 Sedan achieves impressive fuel economy ratings:

• City: 23 MPG
• Highway: 34 MPG
• Combined: 28 MPG

These figures place the C-Class among the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class, offering a compelling combination of luxury and economy.

Range

With its efficient engine and sizable fuel tank, the 2024 C-Class C 300 Sedan can cover up to 590 miles on a single tank of fuel. This exceptional range makes it an ideal choice for both daily commutes and long-distance journeys.

Electric Variants

While the current generation C-Class does not offer a fully electric variant, Mercedes-Benz has introduced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options in some markets. These models combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery pack, offering limited all-electric driving capability and improved overall efficiency.

2. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The E-Class represents the heart of Mercedes-Benz’s sedan lineup, offering a perfect balance of luxury, technology, and performance.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan is equipped with a 17.4-gallon (66-liter) fuel tank, providing ample capacity for long drives without frequent refueling stops.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy ratings for the 2024 E-Class vary depending on the specific engine and drivetrain configuration. For the E350 sedan with rear-wheel drive:

• City: 22 MPG
• Highway: 31 MPG
• Combined: 25 MPG

These figures demonstrate the E-Class’s ability to deliver impressive efficiency without compromising on performance or luxury.

Range

Based on its fuel tank capacity and efficiency ratings, the 2024 E-Class E350 sedan can achieve a driving range of approximately 435 miles on a single tank of fuel under ideal conditions.

Electric Variants

Mercedes-Benz offers the all-electric EQE sedan, which serves as the electric counterpart to the E-Class. The EQE 350 features:

• Battery Capacity: 90.6 kWh
• Range: Up to 410 miles (WLTP cycle)
• Efficiency: The EQE is designed to be highly efficient, with its aerodynamic profile contributing to its impressive range

3. Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The A-Class serves as Mercedes-Benz’s entry-level model, offering luxury and technology in a compact package.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan is equipped with a 13.5-gallon (51-liter) fuel tank, which is appropriate for its compact size while still providing a good range.

Fuel Efficiency

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan achieves the following fuel economy ratings:

• City: 25 MPG
• Highway: 35 MPG
• Combined: 30 MPG

These figures make the A-Class one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup.

Range

With its efficient engine and 13.5-gallon fuel tank, the A-Class sedan can achieve a driving range of approximately 472 miles on a single tank under ideal highway conditions.

Electric Variants

While there isn’t a fully electric A-Class, Mercedes-Benz offers the EQA as its compact electric SUV. The EQA features:

• Battery Capacity: 66.5 kWh
• Range: 250-264 miles (depending on specification)
• Efficiency: The EQA is designed to be an efficient urban electric vehicle, with its compact size and advanced powertrain contributing to its range

4. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The GLC-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s compact luxury SUV, offering a perfect blend of versatility, comfort, and performance.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class comes with a 17.4-gallon (66-liter) fuel tank, providing a generous capacity for both city driving and longer journeys.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy ratings for the 2024 GLC 300 with rear-wheel drive are as follows:

• City: 22 MPG
• Highway: 29 MPG
• Combined: 25 MPG

These figures demonstrate the GLC’s ability to balance performance with efficiency in the competitive luxury compact SUV segment.

Range

Based on its fuel tank capacity and efficiency ratings, the 2024 GLC 300 can achieve a driving range of approximately 504 miles on a single tank under ideal highway conditions.

Electric Variants

Mercedes-Benz offers the all-electric EQC, which serves as the electric counterpart to the GLC. The EQC features:

• Battery Capacity: 80 kWh
• Range: Up to 259 miles (WLTP cycle)
• Efficiency: The EQC is designed to offer a balance of performance and efficiency, with its dual-motor setup providing both power and range

5. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The GLE-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s mid-size luxury SUV, offering a spacious interior, advanced technology, and robust performance.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is equipped with a 22.5-gallon (85-liter) fuel tank, providing an extensive range for long-distance travel.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy ratings for the 2024 GLE 350 with rear-wheel drive are:

• City: 20 MPG
• Highway: 27 MPG
• Combined: 22 MPG

These figures are competitive within the mid-size luxury SUV segment, considering the GLE’s size and performance capabilities.

Range

With its large fuel tank and efficiency ratings, the 2024 GLE 350 can achieve a driving range of approximately 607 miles on a single tank under ideal highway conditions.

Electric Variants

While there isn’t a fully electric GLE-Class equivalent yet, Mercedes-Benz offers the EQE SUV, which sits in a similar size category. The EQE SUV features:

• Battery Capacity: 90.6 kWh
• Range: Up to 342 miles (WLTP cycle)
• Efficiency: The EQE SUV leverages advanced electric powertrain technology to deliver impressive range and performance in a spacious SUV package

6. Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The CLA-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s compact four-door coupe, offering sleek styling and sporty performance in an efficient package.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class comes with a 13.5-gallon (51-liter) fuel tank, which is well-suited to its compact dimensions while still providing a good range.

Fuel Efficiency

The 2024 CLA 250 achieves impressive fuel economy ratings:

• City: 25 MPG
• Highway: 36 MPG
• Combined: 29 MPG

These figures make the CLA one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, rivaling the A-Class for efficiency.

Range

Based on its fuel tank capacity and efficiency ratings, the 2024 CLA 250 can achieve a driving range of approximately 486 miles on a single tank under ideal highway conditions.

Electric Variants

While there isn’t currently a fully electric CLA-Class, Mercedes-Benz has announced plans for an electric version based on the upcoming Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA). This platform will underpin a new generation of compact and mid-size electric vehicles, promising advanced technology and impressive range.

7. Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

The GLA-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s compact luxury crossover SUV, offering a blend of versatility and premium features in a small package.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is equipped with a 13.5-gallon (51-liter) fuel tank, providing a good balance between compact size and driving range.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy ratings for the 2024 GLA 250 with front-wheel drive are:

• City: 24 MPG
• Highway: 34 MPG
• Combined: 28 MPG

These figures demonstrate the GLA’s ability to deliver efficiency without sacrificing the versatility of an SUV design.

Range

With its fuel tank capacity and efficiency ratings, the 2024 GLA 250 can achieve a driving range of approximately 459 miles on a single tank under ideal highway conditions.

Electric Variants

Mercedes-Benz offers the all-electric EQA as the electric counterpart to the GLA. The EQA features:

• Battery Capacity: 66.5 kWh
• Range: 250-264 miles (depending on specification)
• Efficiency: The EQA is designed to be an efficient urban electric vehicle, with its compact size and advanced powertrain contributing to its impressive range

8. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s flagship luxury sedan, representing the pinnacle of technology, comfort, and performance in the brand’s lineup.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes equipped with a 22.2-gallon (84-liter) fuel tank, providing an extensive range befitting its luxury long-distance cruiser status.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy ratings for the 2024 S 500 4MATIC are:

• City: 20 MPG
• Highway: 29 MPG
• Combined: 23 MPG

These figures are impressive considering the S-Class’s size, weight, and performance capabilities.

Range

Based on its fuel tank capacity and efficiency ratings, the 2024 S 500 4MATIC can achieve a driving range of approximately 643 miles on a single tank under ideal highway conditions.

Electric Variants

Mercedes-Benz offers the all-electric EQS as the electric counterpart to the S-Class. The EQS features:

• Battery Capacity: 118.0 kWh (2025 model)
• Range: Up to 410 miles (WLTP cycle) for the EQS 450+
• Efficiency: The EQS is one of the most aerodynamic production cars in the world, with a drag coefficient of just 0.20, contributing significantly to its impressive range

9. Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

The GLB-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s compact luxury SUV, offering a spacious interior and optional third-row seating in a relatively small footprint.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class comes with a 15.9-gallon (60-liter) fuel tank, providing a good balance between capacity and the vehicle’s compact dimensions.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy ratings for the 2024 GLB 250 with front-wheel drive are:

• City: 23 MPG
• Highway: 31 MPG
• Combined: 26 MPG

These figures demonstrate the GLB’s ability to deliver efficiency while offering the practicality of a compact SUV.

Range

With its fuel tank capacity and efficiency ratings, the 2024 GLB 250 can achieve a driving range of approximately 492 miles on a single tank under ideal highway conditions.

Electric Variants

Mercedes-Benz offers the all-electric EQE SUV as the electric counterpart to the E-Class SUV. The EQE SUV features:

• Battery Capacity: 90.6 kWh
• Range: Up to 342 miles (WLTP cycle)
• Efficiency: The EQE SUV leverages advanced electric powertrain technology to deliver impressive range and performance in a spacious SUV package

The EQE SUV is available in several variants, including the EQE 350+ with rear-wheel drive and the EQE 350 4MATIC and EQE 500 4MATIC with all-wheel drive. The top-of-the-line AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ offers enhanced performance for those seeking a sportier driving experience.

10. Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

The GLS-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s full-size luxury SUV, offering unparalleled space, comfort, and capability.

Fuel Tank Capacity

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class comes equipped with a 23.8-gallon (90-liter) fuel tank, providing an extensive range for long-distance travel befitting its status as a luxury family hauler and road trip vehicle.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy ratings for the 2024 GLS 450 4MATIC are:

• City: 18 MPG
• Highway: 24 MPG
• Combined: 20 MPG

These figures are respectable for a full-size luxury SUV, especially considering the GLS’s size, weight, and performance capabilities.

Range

Based on its fuel tank capacity and efficiency ratings, the 2024 GLS 450 4MATIC can achieve a driving range of approximately 571 miles on a single tank under ideal highway conditions.

Electric Variants

While there isn’t currently a fully electric GLS-Class equivalent, Mercedes-Benz offers the EQS SUV as its flagship electric SUV. The EQS SUV features:

• Battery Capacity: 108.4 kWh
• Range: Up to 410 miles (WLTP cycle) for the EQS 450+ variant
• Efficiency: The EQS SUV utilizes the same advanced electric architecture as the EQS sedan, delivering impressive range and performance in a larger SUV package

Comparing Fuel Efficiency and Range Across Mercedes-Benz Models

To better understand how these top-selling Mercedes-Benz models compare in terms of fuel efficiency and range, let’s examine them side by side:

As we can see from this comparison, the gas-powered models offer a wide range of fuel efficiency and driving ranges. The A-Class and CLA-Class stand out as the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid models, while the S-Class and GLE-Class offer the longest driving ranges thanks to their larger fuel tanks.

The electric EQS, while offering a shorter range than some of its gas-powered counterparts, provides impressive efficiency with its 95 MPGe rating. It’s important to note that electric vehicles like the EQS offer the advantage of lower running costs and zero direct emissions.

Electric Range and Efficiency: A Closer Look at Mercedes-Benz EQ Models

As Mercedes-Benz continues to expand its electric vehicle lineup under the EQ brand, it’s worth taking a closer look at the range and efficiency of these models:

EQS Sedan

The EQS is Mercedes-Benz’s flagship electric sedan, offering impressive range and efficiency:

• Battery Capacity: 118.0 kWh (2025 model)
• Range: Up to 410 miles (WLTP cycle) for the EQS 450+
• Efficiency: The EQS is one of the most aerodynamic production cars in the world, with a drag coefficient of just 0.20, contributing significantly to its impressive range

In Edmunds’ real-world range testing, the EQS 450+ achieved an impressive 422 miles on a single charge, surpassing its EPA estimate.

EQE Sedan

The EQE is a slightly smaller electric sedan, offering:

• Battery Capacity: 90.6 kWh
• Range: Up to 410 miles (WLTP cycle)
• Efficiency: The EQE benefits from many of the same aerodynamic innovations as the EQS, resulting in excellent efficiency

EQA

The EQA is Mercedes-Benz’s compact electric SUV:

• Battery Capacity: 66.5 kWh
• Range: 250-264 miles (depending on specification)
• Efficiency: 3.3-4.3 miles per kWh

EQC

The EQC is a mid-size electric SUV:

• Battery Capacity: 80 kWh
• Range: Up to 259 miles (WLTP cycle)
• Efficiency: The EQC offers a balance of performance and efficiency, with its dual-motor setup providing both power and range

EQS SUV

The EQS SUV is the largest electric SUV in the Mercedes-Benz lineup:

• Battery Capacity: 108.4 kWh
• Range: Up to 410 miles (WLTP cycle) for the EQS 450+ variant
• Efficiency: The EQS SUV utilizes the same advanced electric architecture as the EQS sedan, delivering impressive range and performance in a larger SUV package

Charging Capabilities of Mercedes-Benz Electric Vehicles

One of the key factors in the practicality of electric vehicles is their charging capability. Mercedes-Benz has equipped its EQ models with impressive charging technologies:

Fast Charging

Most Mercedes-Benz EQ models support DC fast charging, allowing for rapid battery replenishment during long journeys:

• EQS: Up to 200 kW DC fast charging, allowing for a 10-80% charge in approximately 31 minutes
• EQE: Up to 170 kW DC fast charging
• EQA: Up to 100 kW DC fast charging, allowing for a 10-80% charge in about 32 minutes
• EQC: Up to 110 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80% charge in approximately 35 minutes

Home Charging

For daily use, Mercedes-Benz EQ models can be charged at home using AC charging:

• Most models support up to 11 kW AC charging as standard
• Some models offer optional 22 kW AC charging for faster home charging
• Charging times vary depending on the battery size and charging power, but typically range from 7 to 11 hours for a full charge using an 11 kW charger

Future Developments in Mercedes-Benz Electric Vehicles

Mercedes-Benz is continuously working on improving the efficiency and range of its electric vehicles. Some notable developments include:

VISION EQXX Concept

The VISION EQXX is a concept car that showcases Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle efficiency:

• Range: Over 1,000 km (620 miles) on a single charge
• Energy Consumption: Less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometers (efficiency of more than 6 miles per kWh)
• Battery Capacity: Less than 100 kWh usable energy

While the VISION EQXX is a concept, many of its innovations are expected to influence future production models, potentially leading to significant improvements in range and efficiency across the Mercedes-Benz EQ lineup.

Improved Battery Technology

Mercedes-Benz is investing heavily in battery technology, aiming to increase energy density and reduce charging times. Future models are expected to feature:

• Higher capacity batteries with improved energy density
• Faster charging capabilities, potentially exceeding 200 kW
• Improved battery management systems for enhanced efficiency and longevity

Advanced Aerodynamics

Building on the success of the EQS’s industry-leading aerodynamics, future Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles are likely to feature:

• Even lower drag coefficients for improved efficiency
• Active aerodynamic elements to optimize airflow in real-time
• Innovative designs that balance aesthetics with aerodynamic performance

Conclusion: Mercedes-Benz’s Commitment to Efficiency and Range

As we’ve seen throughout this comprehensive examination of Mercedes-Benz’s top 10 best-selling models and their electric counterparts, the German automaker is deeply committed to improving fuel efficiency, electric range, and overall performance across its entire lineup.

In the realm of traditional internal combustion engines, Mercedes-Benz continues to push the boundaries of efficiency without compromising on the luxury and performance that the brand is known for. Models like the A-Class and CLA-Class demonstrate that even in the compact luxury segment, it’s possible to achieve impressive fuel economy ratings while still delivering a premium driving experience.

At the same time, Mercedes-Benz’s larger vehicles, such as the S-Class and GLS-Class, manage to provide respectable efficiency considering their size and performance capabilities. The use of advanced technologies like mild hybrid systems and efficient powertrains helps these vehicles maximize their range and minimize fuel consumption.

However, it’s in the realm of electric vehicles that Mercedes-Benz is truly showcasing its innovation and commitment to a sustainable future. The EQ lineup, from the compact EQA to the flagship EQS, demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver impressive range and efficiency across various vehicle segments.

The EQS, in particular, stands out as a technological tour de force, with its industry-leading aerodynamics and impressive range setting new standards for luxury electric vehicles. The fact that it has outperformed its EPA range estimates in real-world testing is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s engineering prowess.

Looking to the future, concepts like the VISION EQXX hint at even more exciting developments on the horizon. With its focus on maximizing efficiency and range, Mercedes-Benz is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in electric vehicle technology.

As battery technology continues to improve and charging infrastructure expands, we can expect to see even more impressive range figures and shorter charging times in future Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. This ongoing development, combined with the company’s commitment to offering electric options across its entire lineup, positions Mercedes-Benz as a leader in the transition to sustainable mobility.

For consumers, this means an ever-expanding range of options, from highly efficient gasoline-powered vehicles to long-range electric cars, all delivering the luxury, performance, and innovation that Mercedes-Benz is renowned for. Whether you’re looking for a compact city car, a spacious family SUV, or a high-performance luxury sedan, Mercedes-Benz is working to ensure that efficiency and range are at the forefront of its offerings, without compromising on the qualities that have made the brand a symbol of automotive excellence for over a century.