23 MPG combined is not why you buy a 2020 Audi S5 Sportback. That figure is simply the price you pay for a stylish, practical, and undeniably rapid four-door coupe. This is a car for someone who appreciates design, wants a connected driving experience, and sometimes needs to haul more than a traditional sedan allows. They accept the S5 Sportback’s fuel consumption as a trade-off for its unique blend of performance and versatility.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback achieves 20 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the realities of stop-and-go traffic, where the S5’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 spends more time idling or accelerating from a standstill. The highway MPG, however, demonstrates the engine’s efficiency when cruising at a constant speed. The eight-speed automatic transmission (S8) helps optimize fuel economy on the open road, keeping the engine in its optimal range. Aggressive use of the car’s abundant power will quickly drop those numbers.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2020 Audi S5 Sportback is $2,500. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price at the time of the EPA’s testing, which will fluctuate over time. For S5 owners, many of whom likely reside in urban areas with higher-than-average fuel costs, that $2,500 could easily climb higher, especially given the temptation to use the car’s performance potential.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often varies. Factors like driving style, traffic conditions, and even tire pressure can influence how many miles you get per gallon. S5 drivers who frequently engage the “Sport” mode or enjoy quick bursts of acceleration will undoubtedly see lower MPG figures. Conversely, those who adopt a more relaxed driving style and prioritize smooth acceleration can likely achieve numbers closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA estimates. The S5’s quattro all-wheel drive, while beneficial for grip and handling, adds weight and contributes to slightly reduced fuel economy compared to front-wheel-drive alternatives.

How it compares

The S5 Sportback’s fuel economy puts it in a specific competitive set. The BMW 440i Gran Coupe, another stylish four-door coupe with a turbocharged inline-six, achieves a similar 25 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan, with its more potent AMG-tuned engine, returns around 22 MPG combined. Opting for a less performance-oriented model, such as the Audi A5 Sportback with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, boosts fuel economy to 27 MPG combined, but significantly reduces horsepower. Buyers weigh these trade-offs, performance versus efficiency, when making their choice. For some, the extra horsepower and prestige of the S5 warrants the fuel consumption penalty; for others, the efficiency gains are more appealing. Explore all Audi fuel economy data to see how the S5 compares within the brand.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the Audi Drive Select system. Selecting “Efficiency” mode optimizes various vehicle settings, including throttle response and shift points, to prioritize fuel economy. This mode is particularly helpful during highway cruising or when navigating stop-and-go traffic, subtly altering the S5’s character to deliver noticeable gains.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Even a slight change can make a difference.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Smooth, gradual acceleration and gentle braking conserve fuel and reduce wear and tear on your brakes. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. The S5’s impressive power is tempting to unleash, but restraint is important for better mileage.

Minimize idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling consumes fuel without contributing to forward motion. This is especially important in urban environments where traffic congestion is common. See the S5 MPG across all years to understand how mileage has changed.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control maintains a consistent speed, minimizing fluctuations in throttle input and helping to optimize fuel economy. Using cruise control on long stretches of open road can yield noticeable improvements, particularly when combined with the “Efficiency” drive mode.