The 2015 Audi A7 quattro 3.0L’s 21 MPG combined won’t break any fuel efficiency records, but it’s a reasonable figure for a sporty, all-wheel-drive luxury hatchback with this kind of power. This car appeals to those who value elegant design, confident performance, and a refined driving experience. Fuel efficiency is a factor, but less so than the joy of driving.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the A7 at 18 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This difference suggests the A7 performs best on longer trips, which is logical given its aerodynamic shape and gearing. Expect city driving, with frequent stops, to decrease fuel consumption. The supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is better suited to a steady pace than quick acceleration. The all-wheel-drive system will also reduce fuel economy in cities.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Audi A7 quattro 3.0L at $2,750. This is based on 15,000 miles per year, a mix of city and highway driving, and the national average fuel price. The A7 requires premium fuel, which is included in this calculation. More aggressive driving or rising fuel prices will increase your actual fuel cost, so factor in your driving habits when budgeting.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a helpful guide, but real-world fuel economy varies. Owners who accelerate smoothly and maintain consistent speeds may see numbers close to, or even slightly higher than, the EPA estimates on long trips. But those who often use the engine’s full power will likely see figures closer to the city number or even lower. Proper tire inflation and clean air filters also contribute to better fuel economy. Check A7 MPG across all years to see owner-reported numbers.

How it compares

A7 competitors offer different fuel economy. The Mercedes-Benz CLS400 from the same year, with its turbocharged V6, achieves similar numbers, around 20 MPG combined. The BMW 535i Gran Turismo, another hatchback competitor, also lands around 21 MPG with its turbocharged inline-six. A larger engine, like the V8 in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo, drops the combined MPG to around 17. If lowering fuel costs is a primary concern, a Lexus ES 300h hybrid offers much better numbers, approaching 40 MPG combined, but sacrifices driving dynamics. A7 buyers often trade ultimate fuel efficiency for its unique design and driving experience. Find all Audi fuel economy data on this website.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The A7’s supercharged engine responds well to smooth throttle inputs. Avoid hard acceleration and braking, which waste fuel. Maintain a steady speed and anticipate traffic to reduce stop-and-go driving. Use the Audi Drive Select system to choose “Efficiency” mode, which adjusts engine mapping and optimizes the drivetrain.

Regularly check your tire pressure and inflate tires to the recommended specification. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Also, be aware of cargo weight. More weight requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed.

Consider minimizing air conditioning and heated seat use, as they load the engine and reduce fuel efficiency. On milder days, use fresh air ventilation instead. However, opening windows at higher speeds adds aerodynamic drag, which also decreases fuel economy.

Proper maintenance is important. Ensure clean engine oil at the correct level, and replace the air filter regularly. Schedule routine maintenance to keep the A7 running smoothly. Use the correct grade of fuel recommended by Audi, since a lower grade can damage the engine.