The 2016 Audi S5 3.0L 6-cyl gets 21 MPG combined. This likely won’t deter drivers who want performance and premium features in a sleek coupe, Cabriolet, or Sportback. Fuel efficiency isn’t as important as the supercharged V6, responsive seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive. Buyers aren’t cross-shopping this with a Prius; they want a stylish and engaging driving experience and will accept middling fuel economy to get it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 S5 gets 18 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the supercharged engine is constantly working. The highway number is more appealing, especially when using cruise control and maintaining steady speeds. Drivers who spend a lot of time on open roads will likely see fuel consumption closer to 28 MPG than those who drive mostly in the city.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Audi S5 3.0L 6-cyl is $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of gasoline used. The S5 requires premium fuel, which is more expensive than regular unleaded, increasing the annual cost.

Real-world expectations

Official EPA estimates are a benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Aggressive driving, frequent use of the car’s performance, and extra weight can all hurt MPG. But drivers who drive conservatively and accelerate smoothly can often get numbers close to or slightly exceeding the EPA estimates. Many owners report averaging around 20-23 MPG in mixed driving, showing how driving habits affect fuel consumption. If you’re interested in seeing the S5 MPG across all years, check out our model page.

How it compares

The 2016 Audi S5’s fuel economy is average compared to its competitors. The BMW 435i (later 440i) with its turbocharged inline-six, got slightly better fuel economy, around 24 MPG combined, for its rear-wheel-drive models. The Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG (later C43 AMG) with its turbocharged V6, had similar, but slightly higher, fuel mileage numbers, with a combined MPG rating of 22. The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 has significantly more horsepower but generally gets worse fuel economy, around 21-22 MPG combined, due to its larger, more powerful engine. These numbers show the balance between performance and efficiency that buyers consider. The S5 buyer accepts the 21 MPG combined because it’s an acceptable compromise for the driving experience it delivers. Take a look at all Audi fuel economy data for a broader picture.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The S5’s supercharged V6 responds well to smooth throttle inputs. Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking because these use more fuel. Anticipate traffic and maintain a steady pace when possible. The Audi Drive Select system offers different driving modes, including an “Efficiency” mode. This mode changes the engine and transmission settings to save fuel.

Make sure your S5’s tires are properly inflated to the pressure on the doorjamb sticker. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Regularly check and adjust tire pressure, especially when the temperature changes.

Extra weight in the car also impacts fuel efficiency. Remove anything you don’t need from the trunk and passenger area. The less weight the engine moves, the less fuel it uses.

Keep the windows up and use the air conditioning, especially on the highway. Aerodynamic drag increases a lot with the windows down, using more fuel than the A/C, which is relatively efficient in this car.