The 2017 Audi R8 5.2L’s 17 MPG combined won’t win any awards for lower fuel costs, nor is it designed to. This is a supercar, engineered for performance and thrills, not for fuel efficiency. The R8 buyer understands this tradeoff, paying for speed, exclusivity, and an experience few vehicles deliver, and the fuel bill is simply the cost.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Audi R8 5.2L V10 gets 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, acceleration, and the engine idling. The highway number reminds you that a naturally aspirated V10 is thirsty, even cruising. These figures are from standardized testing, but the R8 encourages a heavy foot, so real-world numbers are often lower, especially if you use the car’s power.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Audi R8 5.2L to be $3,400. This assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a mix of city and highway conditions, using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. It’s a high number showing the financial commitment of owning a high-performance car. For the typical R8 owner, this is a small part of the overall costs, including insurance, maintenance, and track days.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA estimates. The real-world fuel economy of a 2017 Audi R8 depends on driving style. If you spend most of your time in urban environments, expect numbers closer to the 14 MPG city figure, or even lower. If you sustain a steady pace on long highway journeys, you might approach the 22 MPG rating. However, the V10’s acceleration is hard to resist, making that figure optimistic for most owners. The R8 is about the experience, and that experience rarely prioritizes fuel conservation.

How it compares

Compared to other vehicles in the same performance category, the 2017 Audi R8’s fuel economy is similar. The Lamborghini Huracan, sharing the same engine and platform, gets around 13 MPG city and 18 MPG highway. The Porsche 911 Turbo S, while more efficient at a reported 19 MPG combined, offers a different driving experience. The McLaren 570S, with its turbocharged V8, gets around 18 MPG combined. These comparisons matter because potential buyers often cross-shop these vehicles, weighing performance, styling, and brand against running costs. Someone looking at R8 MPG across all years might also consider other supercars, but few prioritize fuel efficiency over raw performance.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel economy is unlikely to be a primary concern for an R8 owner, small changes can make a difference. The most obvious is avoiding unnecessary idling. The R8’s V10 consumes a significant amount of fuel at idle, so minimizing stationary running, particularly in urban traffic, can improve fuel consumption.

Gentle acceleration also plays a role. Rapid acceleration demands more fuel, so smooth throttle inputs can help conserve fuel, especially in city driving. Anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a consistent speed will reduce fuel consumption.

Regular maintenance is also important. Ensuring the engine is properly tuned, the air filter is clean, and the tires are correctly inflated can help optimize fuel economy. A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently, while proper tire inflation reduces rolling resistance.

Finally, consider driving in “Comfort” mode when possible. The R8’s driving modes alter throttle response and transmission behavior. In “Comfort” mode, the car prioritizes smoother acceleration and earlier upshifts, which can improve fuel efficiency compared to the more aggressive “Dynamic” or “Performance” settings. Beyond these tips, it’s critical to understand that this remains a high-performance supercar, those seeking fuel efficiency should explore all Audi fuel economy data to find a better fit.