The 2021 Audi S7 gets 22 MPG combined. It’s no Prius, but it’s not trying to be. The S7 appeals to drivers who want a luxury sportback’s sleek look, a turbocharged V6’s refined power, and the Audi brand. Fuel efficiency is a consideration, but not the main one.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the S7 will get 18 MPG in the city. This reflects the impact of stop-and-go traffic and city driving’s reduced efficiency. On the highway, the S7 earns 28 MPG. This demonstrates the benefit of the S7’s eight-speed automatic transmission and its ability to cruise comfortably at higher speeds. The difference between city and highway ratings means that drivers with longer commutes or frequent road trips will see fuel economy closer to the combined rating, or even better.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the 2021 Audi S7’s annual fuel cost at $2,650. This estimate is based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and national average fuel prices. Remember that this is an estimate. Your driving habits, local fuel prices, and even weather can change how much you spend on gas. Expect to pay more if you drive aggressively or live where gas prices are high.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world MPG often differs. The S7’s turbocharged 2.9L V6 encourages spirited driving, and using that power often will lower fuel economy. However, careful drivers who accelerate smoothly and cruise on the highway can expect to get close to the EPA estimates. The S7’s drive mode selector also matters; “Efficiency” mode can improve fuel consumption, but performance will be reduced.

How it compares

The 2021 Audi S7’s fuel economy is competitive. The BMW M550i xDrive, with its more powerful V8 engine, gets around 20 MPG combined, slightly less than the S7. The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 Coupe gets a similar 22 MPG combined. The Porsche Panamera 4 offers various powertrains, but its fuel economy is similar to the S7 when similarly equipped, at 21 mpg combined with its 2.9L V6. For shoppers considering these cars, fuel economy probably won’t decide things. Performance, style, and brand are more important. You can also explore S7 MPG across all years to see how this model stacks up across generations.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration matters. The S7’s turbocharger provides a lot of power, but using it constantly uses more gas. Accelerate smoothly and gradually to keep the engine efficient.

Tire pressure is often ignored, but properly inflated tires lower rolling resistance and improve fuel economy. Check the tire pressure often and inflate the tires to the recommended levels on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires reduce fuel efficiency and wear out faster.

Reduce extra weight. Extra cargo in the trunk adds weight, which needs more energy to move the car. Remove unnecessary items to improve fuel economy, even if it’s just a few pounds.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a constant speed minimizes unnecessary acceleration and braking, which use more fuel. Cruise control improves fuel efficiency on long highway drives. Pay attention to traffic and adjust your speed as needed.

Consider “Efficiency” driving mode. It reduces the S7’s performance, but it optimizes the engine and transmission for fuel economy. It’s a good choice for long commutes or highway driving when performance isn’t a priority. You can view all Audi fuel economy data here.