The 2017 Audi S8 has an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 MPG combined, a figure that isn’t great but is secondary to the high-performance luxury experience it delivers. People buy an S8 for its effortless power and refined driving experience, not to save money on gas. Fuel consumption is simply the price you pay for executive-level comfort combined with supercar-like acceleration.

City and highway performance

The S8’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 isn’t very thrifty in the city, achieving 15 MPG. Stop-and-go traffic and the temptation to use the engine’s torque contribute to this lower number. On the open road, the S8 does better, with a highway rating of 24 MPG, which is achievable if you avoid using all the engine’s power. The S8’s cylinder deactivation system shuts down four cylinders under light loads, helping fuel economy when cruising; however, aggressive driving negates those savings.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Audi S8 at $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is an estimate, and your actual fuel costs depend on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. The S8 requires premium gasoline, which increases running costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world MPG for the S8 depends on driving style. Drivers who accelerate quickly can expect numbers closer to the city rating, while conservative drivers may approach or exceed the highway number. The S8’s power encourages spirited driving, so achieving the EPA estimates requires effort and restraint. The car responds well to both smooth, deliberate inputs and aggressive acceleration, but only one approach is fuel-friendly.

How it compares

The Audi S8’s fuel economy is comparable to its rivals in the high-performance luxury sedan class. The 2017 BMW M760i xDrive with its V12 engine achieves a similar 13 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. The Mercedes-AMG S63, while offering similar performance, has near-identical fuel economy. Some competitors prioritize fuel efficiency, like the Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, which offers significantly better combined MPG, but the Porsche uses a plug-in hybrid system, a different approach than the raw power of the S8. For more insights, check out S8 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

You can still save gas, even in a performance sedan like the S8. Smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic flow helps minimize fuel consumption. Avoiding hard acceleration and abrupt braking requires the engine to consume more fuel to regain or reduce speed. Use the car’s momentum whenever possible.

The S8 has Audi Drive Select, which offers different driving modes. Selecting “Efficiency” mode optimizes vehicle settings, such as throttle response and transmission shift points, to improve fuel efficiency. While it might slightly reduce the car’s responsiveness, it can make a difference on longer drives.

Ensure your S8 is well-maintained. Regular maintenance, including air filter replacements and tire inflation, can affect fuel economy. A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, forcing it to work harder, while underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and require more energy to maintain speed. See the owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance schedule.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds weight, which increases the engine’s workload and reduces fuel economy. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger compartment because more weight requires more energy to accelerate.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoiding congested areas and peak traffic times can improve fuel economy. Use navigation apps to find efficient routes and avoid stop-and-go traffic. Maintaining a steady speed on open roads is more fuel-efficient than constantly accelerating and braking in congested conditions. Explore all Audi fuel economy data for more comparisons.