MPGTerminal
29/100
1996Large CarsPremium

1996 Mercedes-Benz S420

EPA ID: 12893
14
City MPG
16
Combined MPG
16MPG· Below Avg
20
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1996 Mercedes-Benz S420 achieves an EPA-estimated 16 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 4.2L 8-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 5-spd, this large cars features Rear-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1996 S420 produces approximately 555 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this S420 has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $4,300, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $10,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassLarge Cars
Fuel TypePremium
Engine4.2L 8-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions555 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$4,300
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $10,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
16.2
Impact vs EPA
$-37
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$960/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$28,000
48.6%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$16,406
28.5%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$12,800
22.2%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.7%
Total 5-Year Cost$57,606

Recall Intelligence

✓ No recalls have been issued for this vehicle configuration.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Mercedes-Benz S420 configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1996 Large Cars Alternatives

1996 Mercedes-Benz S500

5L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive

16MPG
City: 14Hwy: 19$4,300/yr

1996 BMW 750il

5.4L 12-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive

15MPG
City: 14Hwy: 18$4,600/yr

1996 Ford Crown Victoria Police

4.6L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive

17MPG
City: 15Hwy: 21$3,500/yr

1996 BMW 740il

4.4L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive

18MPG
City: 15Hwy: 22$3,850/yr

1996 Buick Roadmaster

5.7L 8-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive

18MPG
City: 15Hwy: 24$3,300/yr

1996 Cadillac DeVille

4.6L 8-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

18MPG
City: 15Hwy: 24$3,850/yr

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$4,300
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $10,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City14 MPG
Highway20 MPG
Combined16 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

111.1 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 137 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 9.3 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.