1997 Mercedes-Benz C280Fuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Gasoline Compact CarsRear-Wheel Drive
City
18
MPG
Highway
24
MPG
Combined
20
MPG
Real-World MPG
Based on 3 owner reports via EPA fueleconomy.gov
25.4MPG average+27.1% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 20 MPG · Owner reported avg: 25.4 MPG
Range: 24–28 MPG
Driving mix: City 40% / Highway 60%
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov “Your MPG” owner submissions. Real-world results vary by driver behavior, conditions, and equipment.
Owner reported MPG for this vehicle averages 25.4 real world MPG based on 3 owner reports. EPA combined rating is 20 MPG.
Trim Comparison
Automatic 5-spd
Premium
City
18
Hwy
24
Comb
20
Fuel cost: $4,100/yr
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic 5-spd | Premium | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,100 |
Annual Fuel Cost
$4,100
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
5-Year Fuel Savings
$-8,500
vs. average new vehicle
EPA Fuel Economy Score: -1/10
GHG Score: -1/10
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 444 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 14.9 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 2.8L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- 5-speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Body Style
- Sedan
- GVWR
- Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)
Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.
Engine & Efficiency Details
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
- Engine Size
- 2.8L, 6-cylinder
- Induction Type
- Port Fuel Injection
- Fuel Type
- Premium Gasoline
Annual Fuel Cost by State
Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA
National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$3,368/yr
California
$5.957/gal$4,468/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$2,916/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$3,102/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$3,392/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$3,383/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$4,193/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$3,464/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$3,258/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$3,336/yr
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $3,368/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $4,468/yrHIGHEST | +$1,100 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $2,916/yrLOWEST | $-452 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $3,102/yr | $-266 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $3,392/yr | +$24 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $3,383/yr | +$15 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $4,193/yr | +$825 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $3,464/yr | +$96 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $3,258/yr | $-110 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $3,336/yr | $-32 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 20 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
Related
Mercedes-Benz C280 MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year