16 MPG combined. That’s the fuel economy for the 2020 Audi R8 AWD 5.2L 10-cyl, and it won’t surprise anyone familiar with the R8’s purpose. This isn’t a commuter car, a family hauler, or a statement about using less gas. It’s a supercar, and performance is more important than saving fuel. Buyers in this segment understand and largely accept the trade-off. They prioritize the visceral thrill of a naturally aspirated V10 over fuel efficiency, knowing that the R8 is an experience, not just transportation.

City and highway performance

The R8’s EPA ratings are 13 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving and frequent bursts of acceleration that are typical in urban environments, situations where the V10 engine operates less efficiently. The highway MPG, while better, still reflects the aerodynamic demands of maintaining high speeds and the engine’s strong power output. This isn’t a car designed for maximizing fuel economy on long cruises; even at cruising speeds, the readily available power encourages enthusiastic driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Audi R8 at $3,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Of course, actual fuel costs will vary depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the grade of fuel used. Given the R8’s high-performance engine, premium gasoline is a must, which further contributes to the overall running costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the R8 can vary significantly. Drivers who frequently exploit the engine’s performance potential will likely see numbers below the EPA estimates, particularly in city driving. Conversely, those who predominantly use the R8 for longer highway journeys, and drive with a more restrained style, might achieve figures closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s 20 MPG highway rating. Ultimately, the R8’s fuel economy is heavily dependent on the driver’s habits and the environment in which it’s driven.

How it compares

Compared to other supercars, the R8’s fuel economy is predictably low, though not necessarily the worst in its class. A Lamborghini Huracan, mechanically similar to the R8, posts similar MPG numbers. The Porsche 911 Turbo S, with its turbocharged engine, manages slightly better figures, around 17 MPG combined, pointing to the efficiency benefits of forced induction. A Ferrari F8 Tributo, while offering significantly more power, achieves surprisingly similar fuel economy numbers to the R8, showing the effectiveness of Ferrari’s engine management. For buyers considering vehicles in this ultra-high-performance category, fuel economy is rarely a primary concern, but understanding the relative differences can be useful. For those looking at other vehicles in the Audi lineup, all Audi fuel economy data is available.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the R8 isn’t inherently fuel-efficient, there are still ways to reduce fuel consumption. Avoiding hard acceleration and maintaining a steady speed, particularly on the highway, can help. The car is equipped with an automatic transmission; using the paddle shifters to upshift early can keep the engine revs down, which will consume less fuel.

Ensure that the tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Removing any extraneous items from the trunk or passenger compartment can slightly improve fuel economy. While the effect may be minimal, it can still have an impact, particularly in a car where weight is a critical factor in performance.

Consider using Audi Drive Select to choose a more fuel-efficient driving mode when performance isn’t the top priority. While it won’t transform the R8 into an economy car, it can help optimize the engine and transmission settings for better fuel economy in certain driving situations. You can also research R8 MPG across all years to see if prior model years offer significantly different efficiency.