17 MPG combined. You’re not considering the 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant because you value fuel efficiency. This is a 591-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V8-powered wagon capable of outrunning many sports cars. Practicality, performance, and presence are the priorities here, and sacrifices must be made. Those sacrifices appear at the gas pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the RS 6 Avant at 15 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the heavy curb weight and powerful engine use significant fuel. The highway number is more respectable, but still far from stellar, despite the automatic transmission’s best efforts. Even with cylinder deactivation technology designed to shut down four cylinders under light load, the large engine and performance prevent exceptional gas mileage. This is not a car happy puttering around town; it wants open roads and a heavy foot.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant at $3,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices for premium gasoline, which is mandatory in this vehicle. If you drive more than 15,000 miles annually, or if fuel prices in your area are above the national average, expect to pay significantly more. This high cost results from both the relatively low MPG and the need to use premium fuel. Factor this expense into the overall cost of ownership, especially if you plan on using this car as a daily driver.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary considerably depending on driving style and conditions. Enthusiastic driving, which is difficult to resist in the RS 6 Avant, will lead to lower MPG figures. Frequent acceleration and hard braking are guaranteed to drain the fuel tank faster. Conversely, careful highway cruising can potentially yield figures closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA estimate. However, achieving the rated MPG requires a conscious effort to drive efficiently, which may detract from the overall driving experience that this car is built around. Owners should also remember that environmental factors such as weather and terrain will affect gas mileage.

How it compares

Compared to its high-performance competitors, the RS 6 Avant’s fuel economy is generally in line with expectations. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon, another twin-turbo V8 powerhouse, achieves similar figures, around 16 MPG combined. Lower down the performance ladder, the Audi S6 sedan manages approximately 22 MPG combined, demonstrating the tradeoff between power and efficiency. For those considering a less extreme but still sporty wagon, the Volvo V60 Polestar Engineered offers a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and boasts a much higher MPG rating, around 31 MPG combined. However, it comes at the cost of less power, and a different driving experience. Buyers looking at RS MPG across all years will notice the consistent relationship between performance and fuel consumption. For a broader look at the brand, review all Audi fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive smoothly. The RS 6 Avant responds well to gentle acceleration and braking. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and try to maintain a consistent pace, especially on the highway. Anticipating traffic flow and coasting to a stop when possible will also help conserve fuel. The less you demand peak power from the engine, the less fuel it will consume.

Monitor tire pressure. Ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the door jamb sticker or in the owner’s manual. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to reduced gas mileage. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes, as colder weather can cause pressure to drop.

Minimize idling. Excessive idling wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The RS 6 Avant’s engine is designed to restart quickly and smoothly, and the fuel saved from avoiding idle time can add up over the long run. This is important in city driving where frequent stops are commonplace.

Use the Audi Drive Select system wisely. Experiment with different driving modes to find a balance between performance and efficiency. The “Efficiency” mode, if available, may prioritize fuel economy by adjusting throttle response, transmission mapping, and other vehicle settings. Using this mode too often may detract from the RS 6 Avant’s sporty character, which is a key reason for owning the vehicle.

Keep the vehicle well-maintained. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks, ensures that the engine is running optimally. A well-maintained engine is more efficient and will deliver better fuel economy than one that is neglected.