18 MPG combined. That won’t win any awards for fuel efficiency, but this isn’t a Prius, nor is it trying to be. The 2019 Audi A8 L 4.0L 8-cyl is for a specific buyer: someone who wants effortless power, opulent luxury, and advanced technology. Fuel consumption is a secondary consideration for them, a cost of driving a flagship sedan.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the A8 L 4.0T at 15 MPG in the city. Stop-and-go traffic and the engine’s instant power delivery contribute to this. On the open road, the A8 L fares slightly better, achieving 23 MPG on the highway. This improvement comes from the engine’s ability to cruise at lower RPMs and the car’s aerodynamic design. Remember that aggressive driving can negate any potential savings.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Audi A8 L 4.0L 8-cyl is $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. It’s a significant sum, but A8 owners are usually prepared for it. It’s the price of entry to the exclusive club of high-performance luxury sedans. For a complete picture, peruse all Audi fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving style, traffic, and fuel type. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and prolonged idling will negatively impact fuel consumption. Driving smoothly and anticipating traffic can improve efficiency. Audi recommends premium fuel for optimal performance, which adds to the overall cost. It is important to follow the manufacturer recommendation as it can improve fuel economy.

How it compares

The A8’s fuel economy is similar to its competitors. The BMW 750i xDrive, with its 4.4L V8, gets around 17 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz S560, also with a 4.0L V8, gets about 19 MPG combined. Even the Porsche Panamera 4S, known for performance, offers around 18 MPG combined. These numbers show that fuel economy is not a selling point for these vehicles. Instead, buyers want performance, luxury, and brand appeal. Understanding the A8 MPG across all years is helpful when evaluating your options in the used market.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Audi Drive Select system. Try the “Efficiency” or “Comfort” modes, which optimize engine and transmission settings for fuel savings. Avoid “Dynamic” mode unless you need the extra performance. These settings change the throttle response and shift mapping to be more aggressive.

Practice smooth acceleration and braking. The A8’s engine can tempt you to accelerate quickly, but gentle inputs will conserve fuel. Try to anticipate traffic flow and avoid hard braking. Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and minimize unnecessary acceleration.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels. This isn’t just good for fuel economy, but also for tire life.

Minimize idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The A8 features an automatic start/stop system that does this automatically, but be mindful of its operation in stop-and-go conditions.

Keep the car well-maintained. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures that the engine is running efficiently. Following the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule is critical for optimal performance and fuel economy.