The 2025 Audi S5 Sportback gets 23 MPG combined, which is to be expected. It’s not a hybrid or an economy car, and people don’t buy it expecting Prius-like efficiency. It’s a stylish, performance-oriented machine with a strong six-cylinder engine and advanced all-wheel-drive. The fuel economy comes standard with the car. The S5 Sportback is for a buyer who wants sleek design, a thrilling driving experience, and the practicality of a hatchback, and who knows those things mean higher fuel costs.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the S5 Sportback gets 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city number shows how much the engine works during stop-and-go traffic, quick acceleration, and idling. The 20 MPG rating is okay for the engine’s size and power. The 29 MPG highway rating is better, showing the engine can run efficiently at steady speeds. This is because of the S8 automatic transmission, which lets the engine run at lower RPMs at faster speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2025 Audi S5 Sportback at $2,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles a year and using national average fuel prices. What you pay will change based on your driving, local fuel prices, and the fuel type you use. Fuel prices change, but $2,500 is a good number to use for budgeting the S5 Sportback’s yearly fuel costs. Remember the S5 needs premium fuel, which usually costs more than regular gasoline.

Real-world expectations

The EPA gives standard fuel economy estimates, but real-world results often change. Hard driving, short trips, and carrying heavy loads can hurt fuel economy. But gentle acceleration, steady highway speeds, and proper tire inflation can improve it. Most S5 Sportback owners report fuel economy close to the EPA estimates, but be aware of what can change your fuel consumption.

How it compares

The Audi S5 Sportback is in a competitive group of similar performance cars. The BMW 440i Gran Coupe has a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive and gets a bit better at 26 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe gets 22 MPG combined, close to the S5. The Genesis G70 3.3T isn’t a hatchback but has similar performance and luxury and gets 20 MPG combined. These small differences matter to some buyers, and knowing what the fuel economy is for this type of car is important. All Audi fuel economy data is easily accessible for comparison across their range.

The Audi RS5 Sportback has a stronger V6 engine but gets worse fuel economy at around 18 MPG combined. The S5 is special because shoppers looking at the S5 MPG across all years find a good mix of performance and relative efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Carefully use the Audi Drive Select system. In Comfort or Efficiency mode, the engine and transmission are programmed for the best mpg. These modes reduce throttle response and shift earlier to save fuel without losing performance.

Watch your driving. Avoid quick acceleration and hard braking when you can. Smooth driving is the best way to improve fuel economy, no matter the car. Watch traffic and keep a safe distance to avoid sudden stops.

Keep your tires inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the right level, usually on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. This can make a difference.

Don’t idle. Idling wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Newer cars restart quickly, so there’s no point in letting the engine run.

Get regular maintenance. Regular maintenance, like oil and air filter changes and new spark plugs, keeps the engine running well. A well-maintained engine uses less gas and pollutes less.