17 MPG combined. Let’s be brutally honest: nobody shelling out six figures for a 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant is prioritizing fuel efficiency. They’re buying a twin-turbocharged V8-powered rocket ship disguised as a family-friendly wagon, and the cost of premium unleaded is merely a rounding error in their budget. This isn’t a Prius buyer begrudgingly accepting less power for better mileage; it’s a performance enthusiast making a deliberate trade-off – breathtaking speed and unparalleled practicality versus frequent trips to the gas station. They want to see all Audi fuel economy data.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the RS 6 Avant achieves 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. That city figure reflects the engine’s thirst when navigating stop-and-go traffic, constantly accelerating its considerable mass. The highway number, while still nothing to boast about, benefits from the automatic transmission’s ability to settle into higher gears, allowing the engine to cruise more efficiently at sustained speeds. The 21 MPG figure assumes a gentle right foot; aggressive merging or frequent overtaking will quickly send that number plummeting.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant is exactly $3,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind this is a benchmark: drivers with longer commutes, a penchant for spirited driving, or residing in areas with higher fuel costs will undoubtedly exceed this amount. The number provides a standardized way to compare the RS 6 Avant’s fuel consumption to other vehicles, but individual experiences will vary.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures offer a baseline, expect real-world MPG to fluctuate depending on driving style and conditions. The RS 6 Avant begs to be driven hard, and resisting the urge to exploit its prodigious power will require immense willpower. Frequent acceleration, hard braking, and extended idling in traffic will drag down fuel economy. Conversely, prioritizing smooth acceleration, anticipating traffic flow, and minimizing idling can help nudge the numbers closer to the EPA estimates, though likely not by much. Check out the RS MPG across all years.

How it compares

The RS 6 Avant exists in a niche of high-performance wagons, where fuel consumption is rarely a primary concern. The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon is a direct competitor, and it achieves an EPA-estimated 16 MPG combined. The Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo fares similarly, with a combined MPG of around 18. Buyers considering these vehicles understand that performance comes at a cost. It’s about choosing the vehicle that best aligns with their performance desires and lifestyle needs, recognizing that fuel economy will be sacrificed in the process. A BMW M5, while a sedan, offers comparable performance and is rated at 17 MPG combined. The question becomes: is the practicality of the wagon body worth sacrificing a little fuel efficiency?

Tips to maximize efficiency

While outright fuel efficiency might not be the priority, there are steps you can take to optimize consumption, even in a high-performance vehicle like the RS 6 Avant. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The RS 6 Avant’s powerful engine responds quickly to throttle inputs, so a gentle foot will use less fuel. Anticipate traffic flow to maintain momentum, minimizing the need for frequent stops and starts.

Use the Audi Drive Select system to choose a more efficiency-focused driving mode when performance isn’t important. The “Comfort” or even “Efficiency” modes will soften throttle response, encouraging more conservative driving habits. Remember to check and maintain proper tire inflation, as under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, negatively impacting fuel economy.

Avoid unnecessary idling, particularly in cold weather. Modern engines warm up quickly under load, making extended idling unproductive and wasteful. Even short periods of idling consume fuel without contributing to vehicle movement. Combining trips and errands can also help minimize cold starts, which are inherently less fuel-efficient.

The RS 6 Avant is equipped with an automatic transmission designed to optimize fuel efficiency. Avoid using manual shift mode unless you are actively seeking a more engaging driving experience. The automatic transmission is generally more efficient at selecting the optimal gear for any given driving condition.