22 MPG combined is what you get with the 2021 Audi S6. It’s the cost for a potent, subtly styled luxury sedan that prioritizes performance over fuel efficiency. This isn’t a car for hypermilers; it’s for drivers who value understated elegance and exhilarating acceleration.

City and highway performance

The S6’s official EPA estimates are 18 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the realities of urban driving, where the turbocharged 2.9L V6’s power delivery requires fuel to maintain its readiness. The highway number is where the S6 performs better. With its eight-speed automatic transmission settling into higher gears and the engine at lower RPMs, 28 MPG is achievable during steady cruising. Aggressive passing or sustained high speeds will reduce that number. Drivers need to be aware that it’s easy to dip below these figures.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the typical 2021 Audi S6 driver will spend about $2,650 on fuel annually. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices, so it’s just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. Premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance in the S6, which can increase your annual fuel bill. You can see the all Audi fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized testing methodology, but real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving style, traffic, and even weather. Expect to see figures closer to the 18 MPG city estimate during daily commutes with heavy traffic.

On longer road trips, with consistent highway speeds, achieving or slightly exceeding the 28 MPG highway figure is possible, but requires effort. Drivers who frequently exploit the S6’s acceleration will likely find themselves well below the EPA estimates. Fuel consumption will vary, so check S6 MPG across all years to get an idea.

How it compares

The Audi S6 competes with other performance-oriented luxury sedans. The BMW M550i xDrive, with its 4.4-liter V8, offers similar performance but typically achieves around 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. The Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan, with its inline-6 boosted by a mild hybrid system, gets around 21 MPG city and 29 MPG highway, making it slightly more efficient.

The Porsche Panamera 4S, with its 2.9-liter V6, reports roughly 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, similar to the S6. Buyers often prioritize performance and driving experience over fuel economy, but these comparisons are worth considering.

Tips to maximize efficiency

To minimize fuel consumption, avoid aggressive acceleration and braking, and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The S6’s quattro all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, but it also adds weight and complexity, which can impact fuel economy. Predictable driving will yield the most significant gains.

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

Remove unnecessary weight, as extra cargo in the trunk or backseat adds load to the vehicle, decreasing fuel efficiency. Remove any items you don’t need for your daily commute or road trip. Even small amounts of extra weight can impact mpg.

the Audi Drive Select system. Choose the “Efficiency” mode when possible. This setting optimizes vehicle parameters, such as throttle response and transmission mapping, to prioritize fuel economy. While it might slightly reduce the S6’s responsiveness, it can help you save fuel during less demanding driving situations.