16 MPG combined won’t impress anyone at a Sierra Club meeting. But for the driver of a 2015 Audi R8 5.2L V10, it’s probably not a major concern. This isn’t a commuter car; it’s a high-performance machine designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. Fuel economy is a distant afterthought when you have 525 horsepower (or 550 in the V10 Plus) propelling you to 60 mph in under four seconds. The R8 owner prioritizes speed, sound, and style over saving a few dollars at the pump. They accept the trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 R8 V10 at 13 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the reality of stop-and-go traffic, where the powerful V10 engine is far from its efficiency abilities. The highway figure, while seemingly low compared to mainstream cars, is achievable during steady-state cruising. However, the temptation to unleash the engine’s power on open roads will inevitably lower that number. Understand that these numbers are best-case scenarios; aggressive driving will have a dramatic impact, especially in urban environments.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2015 Audi R8 V10 is $3,600. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel prices at the time the EPA performed its testing. Given that the R8 requires premium fuel, which is consistently more expensive than regular gasoline, this figure represents a significant expense. While $3,600 might be pocket change for some R8 owners, it’s a real-world cost that should be factored into the overall ownership experience. Drivers who cover significantly more than 15,000 miles annually, and those with a heavy foot, should expect to exceed this amount substantially.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides an estimate, your actual fuel economy will vary widely based on your driving style and conditions. Short trips, frequent acceleration, and spirited driving will all negatively impact your MPG. Conversely, gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and proactively anticipating traffic flow can help you achieve numbers closer to the EPA estimates. Some R8 owners report averaging around 18 MPG in mixed driving, a blend of enjoying the car’s performance while also attempting to conserve fuel when appropriate. Consider joining online R8 communities to see what other owners are reporting in similar environments.

How it compares

Compared to other supercars of its era, the 2015 R8 V10’s fuel economy isn’t great, but not the worst either. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, which shares a similar engine and platform, achieves roughly comparable fuel economy. A Ferrari 458 Italia is similarly thirsty. If, however, you compare it to sports cars that offer similar levels of performance, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo (around 20 MPG combined), the Audi’s fuel consumption looks less favorable. These comparisons are important because despite the badge and mid-engine layout, some drivers cross-shop the R8 with higher-volume performance cars. For drivers who prioritize less gas over outright performance, you can review all Audi fuel economy data to see if a variant of the R8 or a completely different model might be a better fit. You can also see R8 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel economy might not be your primary concern as an R8 owner, there are still steps you can take to improve your gas mileage. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The R8’s engine is responsive, and you don’t need to floor the accelerator to get moving. Smooth, progressive acceleration will help conserve fuel.

Properly maintaining your R8 is critical for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG. Also, keep up with scheduled maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements.

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary braking. Look ahead and try to maintain a consistent speed. This will not only improve your fuel economy but also contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable driving experience. Use the car’s gearbox to slow down rather than constantly using the brakes; plan in advance, and let the engine do some of the work.

Consider using a lighter touch on the throttle in “normal” driving situations. The R8 has plenty of power on tap, and you don’t need to use all of it all the time. Reserve the full potential of the engine for situations where it’s truly needed, such as on the track or when overtaking on the highway; on public roads with speed limits, much of that power will remain unused.