24 MPG combined is the price for open-air thrills in the 2019 Audi S5 Cabriolet. This isn’t a penalty-box economy car; it’s a sharply styled, luxurious convertible with a potent turbocharged V6. Its buyers are seeking a premium experience with brisk acceleration and confident handling. Fuel efficiency, while appreciated, is lower on the priority list than enjoying the drive.

City and highway performance

The S5 Cabriolet’s official EPA ratings break down to 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the engine spends more time idling and accelerating. Expect to see this number change depending on traffic and driving style. The highway figure of 29 MPG is more attainable during steady cruising.

The S5’s eight-speed automatic transmission helps here. With closely spaced ratios, it keeps the engine in its optimal efficiency range when the cruise control is set. This makes longer road trips economical, considering the performance available.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the 2019 Audi S5 Cabriolet will cost owners $2,400 per year in fuel. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, using a blend of city and highway driving, and factoring in national average fuel prices. This is an estimate, and your actual costs may vary.

Factors like local fuel prices (premium is required), driving habits, and the percentage of city versus highway driving all play a role. Spirited driving, a temptation with the S5’s potent engine, will lead to higher fuel expenses.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, expect different numbers in the real world. Many S5 Cabriolet owners report figures slightly below the combined estimate, especially if they frequently take advantage of the car’s performance. The turbocharged engine responds to enthusiastic throttle inputs, which impacts fuel consumption.

However, disciplined drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and use the car’s driving modes can approach or exceed the EPA’s estimates. The key is matching your driving style to the desired fuel economy.

How it compares

The Audi S5 is competitive among performance convertibles. BMW’s 440i Convertible, another turbocharged six-cylinder, has similar EPA estimates around 22 MPG combined, but might feel more economical even though its performance is comparable to the S5. The Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Cabriolet offers more performance, and achieves about 20 MPG combined, highlighting the fuel cost associated with more powerful engines. The Porsche 718 Boxster, a different sports car, gets around 24 MPG combined, proving that performance and fuel economy aren’t always mutually exclusive.

Understanding these competitors helps S5 shoppers decide if the car’s blend of performance, luxury, and relative efficiency suits their needs , you can also check S5 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of Audi’s Drive Select system. The “Efficiency” mode optimizes vehicle settings, including throttle response and transmission behavior, to minimize fuel consumption. It might reduce the car’s performance slightly, but it can make a noticeable difference on longer drives, when you don’t want to dip into the S5’s boost.

Maintain a smooth and steady driving style. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these actions impact fuel economy. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed to reduce fuel wasted on constant acceleration and deceleration.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo in the trunk or passenger area adds weight to the vehicle, which reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any non-essential items from the car to improve gas mileage, especially when you anticipate doing alot of driving.

Schedule regular maintenance. Keeping your engine tuned and your car in good mechanical condition is important for fuel economy. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for oil changes, air filter replacements, and other services and check all Audi fuel economy data.