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2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Gas Tank Size & Fuel Capacity

Sedan 7 trims listed 2 fuel-system recalls ← 2011 2013 →

Fuel tank capacity

21.1–23.8gal · 80–90 L

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a fuel tank capacity of 21.1 to 23.8 gallons (80–90 liters), depending on the trim. The most common size is 23.8 gallons, used on 6 trims.

A full tank is good for roughly 452–738 highway miles or 286–500 miles around town, going by the EPA ratings.

23.8 gal · Bigger than 78% of 2012 models we list.

Highway range
452–738 mi
City range
286–500 mi
Fuel
Premium unleaded (required)
EPA combined
14–19 MPG
EPA size class
Large Cars

2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class fuel tank capacity by trim

What changes the tank sizeTap an option to filter the table

Powertrain
Drive
Engine

All 7 trims

MPG and range are city / highway.

TrimEngineDrive Tank Fuel MPG city / hwy Range city / hwy
S63 AMG 4dr Sedan 5.5L 8cyl Turbo 7A · RWD · Premium (required) MPG 15 / 23Range 317 / 485 mi 5.5L 8cyl Turbo 7A RWD 21.1 gal80 L Premiumrequired 15 / 23 317 / 485 mi
S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD 3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A · AWD · Diesel Diesel MPG 21 / 31Range 500 / 738 mi 3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 7A Diesel AWD 23.8 gal90 L Diesel 21 / 31 500 / 738 mi
S400 Hybrid 4dr Sedan 3.5L 6cyl mild hybrid 7A · RWD · Premium (required) MPG 19 / 25Range 452 / 595 mi 3.5L 6cyl mild hybrid 7A RWD 23.8 gal90 L Premiumrequired 19 / 25 452 / 595 mi
S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD 4.7L 8cyl Turbo 7A · AWD · Premium (required) MPG 15 / 24Range 357 / 571 mi 4.7L 8cyl Turbo 7A AWD 23.8 gal90 L Premiumrequired 15 / 24 357 / 571 mi
S550 4dr Sedan 4.7L 8cyl Turbo 7A · RWD · Premium (required) MPG 15 / 25Range 357 / 595 mi 4.7L 8cyl Turbo 7A RWD 23.8 gal90 L Premiumrequired 15 / 25 357 / 595 mi
S600 4dr Sedan 5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A · RWD · Premium (required) MPG 12 / 19Range 286 / 452 mi 5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A RWD 23.8 gal90 L Premiumrequired 12 / 19 286 / 452 mi
S65 AMG 4dr Sedan 6.0L 12cyl Turbo 5A · RWD · Premium (required) MPG 12 / 19Range 286 / 452 mi 6.0L 12cyl Turbo 5A RWD 23.8 gal90 L Premiumrequired 12 / 19 286 / 452 mi

Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG.

How far a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class goes on a tank

Gallons left and the distance they cover at each mark on the fuel gauge, at EPA city and highway mileage. At the combined rating of 14 MPG, a full 23.8-gallon tank covers about 333 miles.

GaugeGallonsHighway milesCity miles
Full23.8452286
3/417.9339214
1/211.9226143
1/46.011371
1/83.05736

Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 1,071 gallons, roughly 45 full tanks.

Fuel gauges aren't perfectly linear and the low-fuel light comes on with a few gallons still in the tank, so plan your stop before the last eighth.

EPA combined
14–19 MPG
Tailpipe CO2
468–635 g/mi
Gas guzzler tax
Yes
Source
EPA ratings

What it costs to fill up a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

$125.66 to fill the 23.8-gallon tank from empty with premium, at this week's US average of $5.28 a gallon.

TankFuelUS avg / galFrom emptyFrom 1/4 tank
21.1 galPremium$5.28$111.41$83.56
23.8 galPremium$5.28$125.66$94.25
23.8 galDiesel$6.35$151.13$113.35

By region, 23.8-gallon tank

RegionPremium / galFill from empty
East Coast$4.93$117.33
Midwest$5.37$127.81
Gulf CoastLowest$4.57$108.77
Rocky Mountain$5.12$121.86
West Coast$6.08$144.70
CaliforniaHighest$6.36$151.37

Prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail averages for the week of October 26, 2026. This week's prices by state and city.

Your own price

  • 21.1-gallon tank$111.41
  • 23.8-gallon tank$125.66
  • A year of driving (15,000 mi)$5,657

Starts at the US average for premium; type in what your station charges. For other tank sizes, use the fill-up calculator.

S-Class tank size in other years

The 2012 S-Class uses the same 21.1–23.8 gal tank sizes as the 2011 model.

Model yearTankLongest highway range
2017 S-Class 16.6–24.6 gal 598 mi
2016 S-Class 20.6–21.9 gal 618 mi
2015 S-Class 20.6–21.9 gal 618 mi
2014 S-Class 21.1 gal 549 mi
2013 S-Class 21.9–23.8 gal 679 mi
2012 S-Class 21.1–23.8 gal 738 mi
2011 S-Class 21.1–23.8 gal 595 mi
2010 S-Class 23.8 gal 595 mi
2009 S-Class 23.8 gal 524 mi
2008 S-Class 23.8 gal 500 mi
2007 S-Class 23.8 gal 524 mi
Mercedes-Benz S-Class fuel tank by model yearSmallest tank Larger tank options
199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
← 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Every S-Class year 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class →

2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs similar 2012 sedans

The S-Class has the largest tank of the five 2012 sedans compared here, 23.8 gallons against 23.8 for the Audi A8.

2012 modelTankLongest highway range
Mercedes-Benz S-Class 21.1–23.8 gal 738 mi
Audi A8 23.4–23.8 gal 666 mi
Jaguar XJ 21.7 gal 499 mi
BMW ActiveHybrid 7 21.1 gal 506 mi
Lincoln MKS 19.0 gal 475 mi

Other 2012 sedans of a similar size, one model per brand.

2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class fuel system recalls

NHTSA lists 2 fuel-system recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, out of 3 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.

Fuel systemDec 3, 2012 · NHTSA 12V557000 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · 5,800 vehicles

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 S400, S550, S550 4Matic, S63 AMG, C300, C300 4Matic, E350, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, CL550 4Matic, and CL63 AMG vehicles manufactured from April 18, 2011, through July 12, 2011. Due to an irregularity stemming from the molding process of the fuel filter flange, the fuel filter flange may crack when operated in high temperatures.

Risk and remedy

Risk: If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.

Remedy: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel filter, free of charge. The recall campaign is expected to begin in February 2013. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Fuel system, dieselOct 3, 2011 · NHTSA 11V496000 · Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. · 6,872 vehicles

Mercedes-benz usa (mbusa) is recalling certain model year 2011 vehicles including e-class (212 platform), manufactured from july 2010 through february 2011, r-class (251 platform), manufactured from april 2010 through april 2011, ml-class (w164 platform), manufactured from january 2010 through march 2011, gl-class (x164 platform), manufactured from march 2010 through march 2011, and model year 2012 s-class (221 platform) vehicles. The diesel fuel filter may leak from the area around the heating component.

Risk and remedy

Risk: Diesel fuel may be deposited onto the highway and create the potential for a crash.

Remedy: Mbusa will contact owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the diesel fuel filter if necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on november 30, 2011. Owners may contact mercedes-benz usa at 1-800-367-6372.

All Mercedes-Benz fuel recalls Look up your tank by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class holds between 21.1 and 23.8 gallons, depending on the trim. 23.8 gallons is the usual size; the smaller 21.1-gallon tank is on the S63 AMG 4dr Sedan.

How many gallons and liters does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class gas tank hold?

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class tank holds 80–90 liters, or 21.1–23.8 gallons in US gallons.

Which 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the biggest gas tank?

The 23.8-gallon tank is on the S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD, S400 Hybrid 4dr Sedan, S550 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD and 3 other trims. The smallest tank, 21.1 gallons, is on the S63 AMG 4dr Sedan.

Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class tank change with the powertrain?

Yes. Gas: 21.1–23.8 gal; Diesel: 23.8 gal.

Does AWD change the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class gas tank?

Yes. RWD: 21.1–23.8 gal; AWD: 23.8 gal.

How far can a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class go on a full tank?

About 452–738 miles on the highway and 286–500 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.

How many miles can a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class go on a quarter tank?

About 113 highway miles or 71 in town from the 23.8-gallon tank, which has roughly 6.0 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.

What gas does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class take?

Premium unleaded (required), or Diesel fuel, depending on the engine. The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.

How much does it cost to fill up a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

At the US average of $5.28 a gallon for premium (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 23.8-gallon tank from empty costs $125.66. It ranges from $108.77 in the Gulf Coast to $151.37 in California.

How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

About 167 pounds for the 23.8-gallon tank. Diesel weighs roughly 7 pounds a gallon.

Does the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have a bigger gas tank than the BMW ActiveHybrid 7?

Yes. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class holds up to 23.8 gallons; the 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 holds up to 21.1.

Has the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 fuel-system recalls for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 12V557000 (fuel system); 11V496000 (fuel system, diesel). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.

Sources

  • Tank sizes: manufacturer-rated capacities from US-market specifications, checked against independent references. Updated October 2026.
  • MPG and range: EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov). Range is tank size times EPA MPG.
  • Fuel prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, week of October 26, 2026 (this week's prices).
  • Recalls: NHTSA recall database (Mercedes-Benz fuel system recalls).

Does your owner's manual say something different? Let us know and we'll fix it. More on how we check the numbers.

Other 2012 Mercedes-Benz models

C-Class17.4 gallons CL-Class21.9–23.8 gallons CLS-Class21.1 gallons E-Class17.4–21.1 gallons G-Class25.4 gallons GL-Class26.4 gallons GLK-Class17.4 gallons M-Class24.6 gallons R-Class21.1 gallons SL-Class21.1 gallons SLK-Class18.5 gallons SLS AMG®22.5 gallons