15 MPG combined. Frankly, if fuel economy is a major worry, the 2024 Audi RS Q8 probably isn’t for you. This SUV is all about speed on the track and effortless highway cruising, not about stretching miles between fill-ups. It’s a statement, a thrilling ride, and those things come with a thirsty engine. The typical RS Q8 buyer values power, exclusivity, and driving fun most of all, and understands that those qualities will mean more trips to the gas station.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the RS Q8 gets 13 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the frequent stopping and starting, where the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is constantly accelerating and decelerating, which hurts efficiency. On the highway, at a constant speed, the engine can be a bit more efficient, especially if you select the efficiency driving mode, but few owners probably drive that way. These numbers are a result of the normal trade-off between high performance and fuel efficiency, which is something that’s well understood by the wealthy people who tend to buy cars like this.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2024 RS Q8 is $3,850. That’s based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles in the city and 55% on the highway, using average national gas prices. It’s a large number, but it probably won’t scare off the RS Q8’s target customer. The RS Q8 owner cares more about performance and image than saving money on gas. They’re buying a status symbol as much as they’re buying transportation.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard for comparison, but actual fuel economy can change depending on how you drive, traffic, and even the weather. Expect slightly lower numbers than the EPA estimates if you tend to accelerate quickly or often drive in heavy traffic. On the other hand, longer highway trips, if driven conservatively, might get you close to, or even better than, the 19 MPG highway rating. But repeatedly using launch control will increase your fuel costs.

How it compares

In the world of high-performance SUVs, the RS Q8’s fuel economy is similar to that of its main rivals, although some are slightly better. The BMW X5 M Competition, for instance, gets a combined 15 MPG, exactly the same as the RS Q8, with 13 MPG in the city and 18 MPG on the highway. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe has similarly competitive, but still low, numbers. Buyers in this segment pay attention to these comparisons and want good value, even when they are prioritizing high performance. See all Audi fuel economy data for more information. Also, you can review RS MPG across all years for specific information.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Even if saving gas isn’t your top priority, there are ways to reduce the RS Q8’s fuel consumption. One way is to use the Audi Drive Select system and choose the “Efficiency” mode when you can. This setting adjusts the engine for better fuel economy by changing the throttle response and how the transmission shifts. It won’t turn the RS Q8 into a hybrid, but it can help you get a little more out of each gallon when you aren’t driving aggressively.

Proper tire inflation is important for fuel economy in any vehicle. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, which you can find on a sticker on the doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and burn more gas.

Avoid accelerating hard and braking suddenly when possible. Driving smoothly reduces strain on the engine and saves fuel. Watch the traffic ahead and try to keep a steady speed when you can.

Consider using the automatic start/stop system in city driving. This feature shuts off the engine when the car is stopped to save fuel. However, remember that idling can waste a lot of gas. Think about whether restarting the engine repeatedly in stop-and-go traffic defeats the purpose versus simply idling.