The 2021 Audi S5 Sportback with the 3.0L six-cylinder engine gets 23 MPG combined. This car isn’t about getting the best mileage. It’s a sleek, four-door coupe with a potent turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a beautifully crafted interior. Fuel efficiency is a consideration, but not the most important one.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the S5 Sportback at 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These numbers show what the car is like to drive. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving conditions that often call for more acceleration. The S5 is happy to oblige. The highway number demonstrates that when cruising, helped by the eight-speed automatic transmission finding the optimal gear, respectable fuel economy can be achieved. But the punchy 3.0L V6 is always ready to pass other cars, which will reduce fuel savings.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Audi S5 Sportback at $2,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is just an estimate. Your individual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. Someone who only drives 8,000 miles per year will spend less. A driver who often accelerates hard, driving 25,000 miles annually, should expect to spend much more. Also, the S5’s engine works best with premium fuel, which costs more than regular unleaded.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often differs. S5 drivers who enjoy the car’s performance might use the turbocharger’s boost frequently. This is common in cities where quick bursts of acceleration happen often. Drivers who frequently select “Dynamic” driving mode, which makes the throttle more responsive and holds gears longer, will likely see lower MPG figures. However, those who want better fuel efficiency and select “Comfort” or “Efficiency” modes more often may get closer to the EPA estimates. Checking S5 MPG across all years can help you see trends from user experiences.

How it compares

The Audi S5 Sportback competes with other sporty, near-luxury four-door coupes. The BMW 440i Gran Coupe, another performance option, gets a slightly better EPA-estimated combined MPG of 25. The Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe offers similar performance, but lands at a combined 22 MPG, slightly behind the Audi. The Acura TLX Type S, with its strong turbocharged V6 and SH-AWD system, also gets around 22 MPG combined. The numbers matter to shoppers comparing these vehicles. The S5’s middle-of-the-pack fuel economy is an acceptable compromise for its style, performance, and practicality.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Audi Drive Select is your friend. The S5’s selectable drive modes (Comfort, Efficiency, Auto, Dynamic, Individual) noticeably affect fuel consumption. When you don’t want to drive fast, selecting “Comfort” or “Efficiency” softens the throttle and optimizes the transmission for less gas.

Tire pressure is important. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels found on the doorjamb sticker. A quality tire pressure gauge provides accurate readings.

Anticipate traffic and practice smooth acceleration and braking. Aggressive driving, like rapid acceleration and hard braking, wastes fuel. By looking ahead, you can keep a more consistent speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Coasting when you can will also save fuel.

Reduce weight. Carrying unnecessary cargo increases weight, which reduces fuel efficiency. Remove items you don’t need from the trunk or backseat. Even small amounts of weight can add up and impact your gas mileage. This is a free way to improve all Audi fuel economy data.