The 2015 Audi A4 2.0L gets 26 MPG combined, which might not be what you expect. It’s not the most efficient in its class. This is about getting reasonable mileage from a turbocharged engine powering a luxury sedan. The A4 is known more for its driving and styling than extreme fuel efficiency. A4 buyers understand this tradeoff. They want a premium driving experience with precise German engineering, accepting mileage that’s good, if not groundbreaking.

City and highway performance

The A4’s EPA estimates are 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows how much fuel is used in stop-and-go traffic, where the turbocharger constantly provides boost. The highway number, from steady cruising, shows the engine’s efficiency when not pushed hard. The A4’s eight-speed automatic transmission (AV-S8) is important here, keeping the engine at the best RPM for power and fuel savings. Hard acceleration, even in “comfort” mode, will lower fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,250 for the 2015 Audi A4 2.0L. This is based on 15,000 miles per year, a mix of city and highway driving, and national average fuel prices. Remember this is just an estimate. Individual fuel costs will change based on driving habits, local fuel prices (premium fuel is recommended), and the amount of city versus highway miles. This number is a good reference, but not a promise of your actual cost.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures are a baseline, but real-world fuel economy for the 2015 A4 depends on driving style and conditions. Drivers who accelerate quickly a lot should expect numbers closer to the city estimate, or less. Drivers who accelerate smoothly, anticipate traffic, and drive more on the highway should get close to the EPA’s 31 MPG highway rating, or better. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and using accessories like air conditioning also matter. The A4’s trip computer gives feedback on fuel use, letting drivers change their habits to save fuel and track your A4 MPG across all years.

How it compares

In 2015, the A4’s fuel economy was competitive, but not the best. The Acura TLX 2.4L was similar to drive, with slightly better MPG, around 24 city / 35 highway. The BMW 320i has less horsepower than the A4, but often got slightly better real-world mileage. The Lexus IS 250, known for being reliable, was worse in performance and fuel economy, around 21 city / 30 highway. All-wheel-drive (Quattro) versions of the A4 get slightly lower MPG for better traction in all weather. For a shopper interested in all Audi fuel economy data, the tradeoffs regarding fuel economy will often come down to comparing the A4 against other trims in the Audi lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently. The A4’s turbocharger gives plenty of power when you need it, but avoid accelerating hard for no reason. This saves fuel, especially in the city. Drive smoothly and steadily.

Check tire pressure. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making the engine work harder. The sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb shows the recommended tire pressure. Inflate your tires accordingly.

Avoid idling. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern cars restart quickly, and idling wastes fuel. Every little bit helps.

Use cruise control on the highway. Holding a steady speed reduces changes in fuel use. Set the cruise control at a reasonable speed.

Consider using “Eco” mode, if available. This mode adjusts the throttle and transmission to focus on fuel efficiency over performance. It might make driving a little less fun, but it can save fuel.