Why is my Mercedes-Benz so thirsty?

Three weeks ago I bought a 10-month-old Mercedes-Benz B160 auto from a Mercedes dealership with 10,000 miles on the clock. I have been depressed by the high fuel consumption. I am quite a conservative driver and don't hammer the car, but around London I'm getting 23-25mpg. MB’s figure for urban driving is 32.5mpg. On a motorway run I'm getting 34mpg but MB advertises 45.6mpg. MB’s combined figure is 39.8mpg. MB has tested the car and says everything is perfect, and admitted the engine is underpowered for such a heavy car. I'd love them to take it back but do I have any chance of this?

Asked on 17 March 2012 by CH, London SE12

Answered by Honest John

No. The 'advertised' figures are the figures that manufacturers are compelled by EC law to provide and tell you only the results of the EC lab tests. They do not represent what you can realistically expect. For that you need to visit www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg.

Tags: fuel economy poor fuel consumption mpg

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