Sourav Joshi E20 Controversy: Mercedes Mileage Drop Clarified

YouTuber Sourav Joshi apologized for blaming E20 ethanol-blended petrol for his Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC’s sudden mileage drop, later attributing the issue to an engine fault. The controversy stemmed from a viral vlog where he claimed the car’s efficiency plummeted from 17 kmpl to 5 kmpl within 48 hours.

Sourav Joshi’s E20 Petrol Claims and Retraction

In a YouTube vlog titled "Race With Brothers. Kon Jeetega?", Joshi and his wife Avantika Bhatt highlighted the Mercedes’ fuel efficiency decline, linking it to E20 petrol. The video, which amassed 4.3 crore views, was later edited to remove the E20 criticism. Joshi clarified on X that a service center diagnosed an engine issue, not the fuel, and apologized for the misunderstanding.

Mercedes-Benz states the GLC 300 4MATIC has an ARAI-certified efficiency of ~15 kmpl. Joshi’s initial claims sparked debate, with some mocking his concerns given his wealth, while others defended his right to question fuel quality. The vlogger owns multiple luxury vehicles, including a G-Wagon, Porsche, and Mahindra Thar.

From Humble Beginnings to YouTube Fame

Sourav Joshi’s rise began in Haryana, where he assisted his father, a POP plasterer, as a teenager. His family later moved to Uttarakhand’s Haldwani, where he built a multi-storey home. Before vlogging, Joshi uploaded sketching tutorials, but his daily family vlogs—featuring cousin Piyush—gained traction during the Covid-19 lockdown.

His channel, Sourav Joshi Vlogs, now has over 4.1 crore subscribers. The family’s grounded lifestyle, despite their wealth, remains a hallmark of their content. In 2025, Joshi married Avantika Bhatt, with Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami attending their reception.

Why the E20 Debate Matters

Joshi’s comments on E20 petrol—India’s ethanol-blending initiative—highlighted broader concerns about luxury vehicle compatibility. While he retracted his claim, the incident underscores public skepticism toward alternative fuels. Mercedes-Benz India later issued a clarification, but the discussion persists among car owners.