24 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2017 Audi A6 quattro with the supercharged 3.0L V6, it’s a reasonable compromise. This isn’t a car bought solely for fuel sipping; it’s a mid-size luxury sedan designed to deliver confident performance in all weather conditions, wrapped in a well-designed package. Buyers prioritize a balance of power, technology, and prestige, and for them, this MPG figure is an acceptable trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway for the 2017 A6 quattro 3.0T. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the engine’s responsiveness is appreciated but fuel consumption suffers. The highway number, however, is more encouraging. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine in its sweet spot at cruising speeds, maximizing efficiency. This gap between city and highway figures reflects where the A6 performs best. It’s a comfortable long-distance cruiser, but less suited for constant urban driving.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2017 Audi A6 quattro 3.0L is $2,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Remember that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. If you drive more aggressively, spend more time in congested traffic, or always opt for premium fuel even when it’s not strictly necessary, expect to pay more. The $2,400 figure provides a useful benchmark, but individual results will always differ.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a valuable baseline, real-world fuel economy often changes. Expect slightly lower figures if you frequently drive fast or live in an area with hills. Mindful drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and anticipate traffic flow may achieve numbers closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA estimates. Driving style and temperature, and tire pressure all have an effect. Consistently exceeding the EPA highway figure is achievable on long road trips using cruise control carefully.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2017 A6 quattro does well. The BMW 540i xDrive, with its turbocharged inline-six, offers similar performance and all-wheel drive, but posts an EPA combined rating of 23 MPG, a slight disadvantage. The Mercedes-Benz E400 4MATIC, powered by a turbo V6, achieves around 22 MPG combined. The Lexus GS 350 AWD, known for its reliability, manages only 22 MPG combined from its naturally aspirated V6, and the Acura TLX SH-AWD with the V6 engine comes in at around 24 MPG combined, making it nearly identical to the A6. The A6’s fuel economy is competitive, and the MPG differences often aren’t the deciding factor for buyers in this segment. They’re often more focused on design, features, performance, and overall driving experience.

For all Audi fuel economy data, you can browse our website.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the Audi Drive Select system. This feature allows you to change the car’s driving characteristics. Selecting “Efficiency” mode prioritizes fuel conservation by adjusting throttle response and transmission behavior and should be chosen when maximum MPG is desired. This mode is especially effective during highway driving and less congested city streets.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended levels specified on the doorjamb sticker. A simple tire pressure gauge can save you fuel and extend the life of your tires.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The supercharged V6 in the A6 encourages fast driving, but resist the urge to floor the accelerator at every opportunity. Smooth, gradual acceleration and predicting traffic flow to minimize braking will significantly improve fuel economy. Keep the boost gauge as close to zero as possible to maximize efficiency.

Minimize idling. Unnecessary idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, such as waiting to pick someone up, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so this is a simple way to reduce fuel consumption. Long idles warm up the engine slowly, so avoid this.

Consider the A6’s maintenance schedule because regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, ensures that the engine operates efficiently. A clean air filter allows for optimal airflow, while fresh oil reduces friction within the engine. Ignoring these tasks can decrease performance and reduce fuel economy. To review A6 MPG across all years, our site has this information.