Mercedes-Benz India has issued a clarification on the use of E20 fuel after popular YouTuber Sourav Joshi claimed that his luxury car’s mileage had dropped significantly following the switch to the ethanol-blended fuel. The company said it was happy to address the concerns and explained that E20 compatibility depends on the vehicle model and engine specifications.
The controversy began after Joshi shared a video in which he said his Mercedes-Benz had started delivering lower fuel efficiency after using E20 petrol. The video quickly gained attention on social media, with many car owners expressing similar concerns and questioning the impact of higher ethanol blends on vehicle performance.
Responding to the discussion, Mercedes-Benz India said all its petrol vehicles manufactured from April 2023 onwards are fully compatible with E20 fuel, in line with the Government of India’s fuel transition roadmap. However, the company advised owners of older models to check their vehicle manuals or contact authorised dealerships before regularly using E20 petrol.
The automaker clarified that fuel efficiency can vary due to several factors, including driving style, traffic conditions, road quality, weather and fuel composition. It noted that ethanol contains less energy than conventional petrol, which may lead to a slight reduction in mileage, but this does not necessarily indicate a mechanical issue with the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz also reiterated that customers should use only the fuel grade recommended for their specific vehicle to ensure optimum performance and long-term reliability. The company said its service network is available to assist customers who have questions about fuel compatibility or notice changes in vehicle performance.
Automobile experts said the issue is not unique to Mercedes-Benz. Vehicles designed for E20 fuel generally operate without problems, but some owners may observe a marginal drop in fuel economy because ethanol has a lower energy content than pure petrol.
Also Read: HDFC Bank redeploys staff as technology boosts productivity