For me, it is Octane 89 for the Matrix and 91 for the MB E Class. I have for a couple of times used regular fuel on the MB through mistakes of my own or those of the men/women serving at the pump despite that the manual says premium fuel only (don't laugh, in Richmond, BC, there are no "self serve" pumps
). No issues whatsoever. I presume that the MB's ECU has adjusted to cope. I have also used premium fuel on a former car, a Yaris, which only needed regular fuel, and noticed no difference in the FE.
There are many factors that can affect a car's FE and my personal experience with just a few tanks can hardly help conclude anything.