The 2023 Audi RS 5 Coupe’s 21 MPG combined fuel economy won’t win any awards, but that’s not really the point. This car isn’t for those who want to save money or drive an eco-friendly vehicle. The RS 5 is for drivers who care most about performance, sound, and style. They are willing to pay for a high-performance car that attracts attention and provides thrilling acceleration. The fuel bill is simply part of the experience.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates of 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway reflect the RS 5’s varied capabilities. The 18 MPG city number acknowledges stop-and-go driving, which forces the turbochargers and powerful engine to work harder. The 26 MPG highway rating suggests that fuel economy could be better when cruising at a constant speed. However, the temptation to unleash the 2.9-liter V6’s 444 horsepower is always there, and most RS 5 drivers will struggle to resist. The eight-speed automatic transmission (S8) tries to balance performance and efficiency by providing quick shifts and a wide range of ratios. It optimizes fuel consumption when possible, but only after prioritizing rapid acceleration and responsiveness.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Audi RS 5 Coupe at $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices, which provides a standardized comparison. Your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower based on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. Consider this estimate a baseline if you tend to drive aggressively. If you spend most of your time in LA traffic, you may want to review all Audi fuel economy data to compare.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates offer a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy for the RS 5 can vary greatly. Aggressive driving, frequent use of launch control, and extended idling in traffic will significantly reduce fuel efficiency. On the other hand, gentle acceleration, careful route planning to avoid congestion, and maximizing highway driving can help you achieve figures closer to the EPA estimates. Driving style is the biggest factor, but weather and tire pressure also play a role. If your primary concern is squeezing every last mile out of a gallon of premium fuel, the RS 5 isn’t for you. Those who want to conserve should compare the RS MPG across all years.

How it compares

The RS 5’s fuel economy sits in the middle of its competitive class, even if it’s not the most important factor when choosing a vehicle in this category. The BMW M4 Coupe, for example, achieves an EPA-estimated 16 MPG city and 23 MPG highway, making it less fuel-efficient than the RS 5. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe, with its powerful V8, performs similarly to the M4. The Lexus RC F is in the same general range. These cars are bought for performance on the track or open road, and owners typically consider fuel economy secondary. These performance coupes prioritize power, handling, and overall driving experience. The differences in fuel economy are unlikely to be the key deciding factor if you’re considering any of these cars.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the RS 5 isn’t designed for hypermiling, you can still take steps to improve its fuel economy:

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The RS 5’s powerful engine is tempting, but using it sparingly will save fuel. Instead of constantly flooring the throttle, try to maintain a smooth and steady pace. Anticipate traffic flow and avoid sudden stops by allowing the car to coast when possible.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance to reduce fuel economy. Regularly check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb or owner’s manual.

Use the Audi Drive Select system to select “Efficiency” mode. This optimizes the engine and transmission settings for fuel efficiency. It might not be as sporty as “Dynamic” mode, but it can help improve gas mileage during everyday driving.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel, especially in a high-performance engine like the RS 5’s. Turn off the engine if you’re stopped for more than a minute or two. Modern cars are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so there’s no need to let the engine run unnecessarily.

Plan your routes carefully. Avoiding congested areas and choosing routes with less stop-and-go traffic can significantly improve fuel economy. Use navigation apps to find the most efficient routes and avoid rush hour traffic when possible.