24 MPG combined isn’t going to win any green awards, but it’s a perfectly acceptable figure for the 2019 Audi S5 Sportback. This isn’t a Prius competitor; it’s a stylish and sporty hatchback that delivers quick acceleration and confident handling. Buyers aren’t prioritizing ultimate fuel efficiency, they’re seeking a blend of practicality, performance, and prestige, and the S5 largely delivers on that promise.

City and highway performance

The S5 Sportback’s EPA ratings break down to 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the reality of stop-and-go traffic, where the turbocharged V6 and automatic transmission work harder to overcome inertia. The highway number is more encouraging, showcasing the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently at consistent speeds. The standard quattro all-wheel drive system, while contributing to handling prowess, also introduces extra weight and drivetrain friction, impacting fuel economy particularly in urban driving conditions.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2019 Audi S5 Sportback is $2,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a specific percentage of those miles driven in both city and highway conditions. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price at the time of the EPA’s testing. Keep in mind that this is an estimate; individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and weather conditions can all influence your actual fuel expenditures.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world MPG can vary. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and cold weather can all lower fuel economy. Conversely, gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and meticulous maintenance can help you achieve figures closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA estimates. For buyers considering this car, it’s important to understand that consistent, spirited driving will push the MPG down, while a more relaxed style can yield better results. Read through owner forums for a better understanding of S5 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The S5 Sportback exists in a competitive segment, and understanding its fuel economy relative to rivals is helpful. The BMW 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, a similar offering, achieves about 25 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe is rated at 22 MPG combined. These small differences in MPG may not seem significant on paper, but they can add up over time. Importantly, buyers choosing an S5 Sportback often prioritize styling and driving dynamics over a few extra miles per gallon, although understanding the trade-offs is always useful. For more information, you can see all Audi fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The S5 Sportback’s turbocharger is responsive, but excessive use of its power will significantly impact fuel consumption. Gentle and progressive acceleration is key to maximizing efficiency, especially in city driving.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regularly check your tire pressure and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, which can be found on the doorjamb sticker.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you anticipate waiting for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles, including the S5 Sportback, warm up quickly and efficiently under normal driving conditions, eliminating the need for prolonged idling.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a steady speed on the highway optimizes fuel efficiency. Cruise control helps to minimize speed fluctuations, resulting in more consistent fuel consumption. This is particularly effective on long, flat stretches of road.

Consider using the “Efficiency” drive mode, if equipped. The S5 Sportback offers various driving modes that can alter throttle response and transmission behavior. The “Efficiency” mode typically prioritizes fuel economy by optimizing these settings, although performance suffers.