20 MPG combined won’t win any fuel efficiency awards. That’s the reality for the 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback, a car designed for thrilling performance and style, not fuel economy. The RS 5 Sportback is for a specific buyer: someone who wants a potent 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 and all-wheel drive over saving gas. They know there’s a trade-off and accept it to drive a high-performance Audi.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the RS 5 Sportback are 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving where the engine is constantly accelerating and decelerating, situations where even advanced engine tech struggles. On the open road, the RS 5 Sportback does a little better, able to cruise at a steady speed and use its eight-speed automatic transmission (S8) to burn less gas. Using the available power will quickly reduce those gains, even on the highway. This car is a performance vehicle; saving gas isn’t its focus.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback is about $2,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles a year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price. It’s a way to compare the costs of different vehicles, but your fuel costs may change based on how you drive, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. Premium fuel is required for optimal performance in the RS 5 Sportback, which increases the cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings are a standard, but real-world fuel economy varies. Drivers who accelerate quickly or drive aggressively will likely see numbers below the official estimates, maybe in the mid-teens. If you mainly use the RS 5 Sportback for highway commutes and drive conservatively, you might get close to or a little over the 25 MPG highway number. However, most RS 5 owners probably won’t consistently get the EPA combined number because of the car’s performance and the temptation to use it. See all Audi fuel economy data to see how the RS 5 compares to other models.

How it compares

The RS 5 Sportback’s fuel economy is in the middle among performance sportbacks. The BMW M340i xDrive sedan gets a combined 26 MPG, making it more efficient. The Mercedes-AMG C43 sedan gets 22 MPG combined, and the Cadillac CT5-V gets 21 MPG combined. Even a few MPG can add up, affecting the cost of ownership. Buyers often compare these when shopping this segment, where performance and luxury are important, and fuel economy matters too. Review the RS MPG across all years to see any trends.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently. The RS 5 Sportback accelerates quickly, but don’t always use it. Gentle acceleration and expecting traffic flow can cut fuel consumption.

Use the Audi Drive Select system. Try the different driving modes (Comfort, Auto, Dynamic) to find the best one for your driving. Comfort mode usually helps fuel economy by changing the throttle, shift points, and steering. Dynamic mode will lower fuel efficiency.

Keep tires inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level, shown on the doorjamb or in the manual. It will improve fuel efficiency, handling, and tire life.

Reduce extra weight. Weight in the car strains the engine and lowers fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger area.

Plan routes. Avoid traffic and routes with frequent stops. A navigation system can help you find efficient routes, saving time and gas.