The 2017 Audi S6 4.0L 8-cyl gets an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined. This number likely won’t deter the typical S6 buyer, who prioritizes performance, a beautifully crafted interior, and understated aggression over outright efficiency. This isn’t a commuter car, it’s a precision instrument designed for drivers who appreciate the finer things in life and aren’t afraid to use all 450 horsepower occasionally.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 S6 at 18 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The 18 MPG city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving reality, where the car’s weight and the demands of its potent V8 engine require more fuel. The 27 MPG highway number is more respectable; the S6’s seven-speed automatic transmission shifts into its higher gears, letting the engine cruise comfortably. Achieving the 27 MPG figure requires a light foot and resisting the urge to pass other cars.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Audi S6 is $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. Your fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, fuel type, and local fuel prices. Expect to exceed $2,750 if you drive in heavy traffic or accelerate quickly.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, the 2017 S6’s real-world fuel economy will change. Owners who prioritize performance and frequently use the car’s sport modes will likely see numbers closer to 18 MPG or lower. On the other hand, those who primarily use the S6 for long highway trips and drive efficiently might approach or slightly exceed the EPA’s 27 MPG highway estimate. The S6 rewards drivers who are careful with the accelerator and anticipate traffic.

How it compares

The S6’s fuel economy is what you would expect for a high-performance sedan of its kind. The BMW M550i xDrive, a direct competitor, gets a similar 20 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG E43 sedan gets slightly lower at 21 MPG combined. These differences are small and unlikely to matter to buyers in this segment. Those considering a more fuel-efficient option might look at the Audi A6 2.0T, which gets better fuel economy but has much less performance. You can review all Audi fuel economy data to see how the S6 compares to other models in the brand. Also, see S6 MPG across all years to review fuel economy year by year.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the most effective ways to improve fuel economy in the 2017 S6 is to drive more smoothly. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. If you anticipate traffic conditions and keep a more consistent speed you will save fuel. The S6’s powerful engine doesn’t need to be constantly pushed to give a satisfying driving experience.

Regular maintenance is essential for optimal fuel efficiency. Make sure that your S6’s tires are properly inflated because underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces MPG. Also, keep up with scheduled oil changes and replace the air filter because a well-maintained engine runs more efficiently.

If your S6 has it, select the “Efficiency” mode in the drive select system. This mode optimizes engine and transmission settings for better fuel economy. While it slightly reduces throttle response, it can make a difference on longer trips.

Remove extra weight from the vehicle. Removing heavy items from the trunk can improve fuel economy, although only slightly. Every little bit helps when combined with other fuel-saving techniques.

Plan your trips strategically. If possible, avoid driving during peak traffic because stop-and-go driving reduces fuel economy. Consider combining errands into a single trip to minimize cold starts, which use extra fuel.