The 2018 Audi S4 3.0L gets 24 MPG combined. This number reflects the trade-offs when you own a performance sedan. It’s not a hybrid made for maximum efficiency; it’s a German sports sedan made for fun driving. The S4 buyer probably isn’t prioritizing fuel efficiency, but they don’t want to spend too much money at the gas station. They want good performance without emptying their wallet, and the S4, with its turbocharged V6 and Quattro all-wheel drive, finds that balance.

City and highway performance

Looking at the individual numbers, the 2018 Audi S4 gets 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city number shows how much fuel is used in stop-and-go traffic, which is made worse by the S4’s quick acceleration. The turbocharged engine needs more fuel when accelerating, which affects city MPG more. The highway number shows how efficient the S4’s eight-speed automatic transmission is. Because there are so many gears, the transmission can keep the engine in its most efficient range when cruising, resulting in good highway mileage.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Audi S4 at $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and assumes national average fuel prices. Individual spending can change. Drivers who spend most of their time in the city will probably spend more, while those who drive mostly on the highway may spend less. The $2,400 number is a good starting point for budgeting, but you should consider your own driving habits and local fuel costs for a more accurate idea. The S4 needs premium fuel, so that cost is part of the $2,400 number.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings are a standard benchmark, but your actual mileage will change based on your driving style, traffic, and even the weather. The S4 is built for performance, so it’s tempting to use its power, which will affect fuel economy. Accelerating quickly, braking hard, and idling for a long time will all lower MPG compared to the EPA estimates. If you drive smoothly and don’t idle more than necessary, you can get closer to the EPA numbers. Don’t expect to get 30 MPG in the city. The S4 isn’t made for saving gas, but reasonable highway driving should get you within a few MPG of the official rating.

How it compares

When it comes to compact performance sedans, the 2018 Audi S4’s fuel economy is competitive. The BMW 340i, with its turbocharged inline-six, gets about 25 MPG combined, which isn’t much better. The Mercedes-AMG C43, another competitor, gets similar numbers, about 22 MPG combined. The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, with its twin-turbo V6, usually gets around 22 MPG combined. The S4 strikes a good balance, offering similar performance to its competitors without wasting too much gas. Checking S4 MPG across all years can help you understand its historical performance. For those interested in other options within the brand, all Audi fuel economy data is available for comparison.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The S4’s engine works best with smooth acceleration. Avoiding sudden bursts of speed, especially in the city, can increase fuel economy. The turbocharged engine reacts strongly to the throttle, so a gentle foot helps.

The S4 has an automatic transmission with different modes. Using the “Efficiency” or “Comfort” mode (if there is one) can change the shift points to save fuel. Try different drive modes to see which one works best for you and increases fuel economy.

Proper tire inflation is critical for the best fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and make sure it matches the recommended pressure on the doorjamb. Tires that are low on air increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. A simple check can save you money.

Remove extra weight from the car. Extra weight makes the engine work harder, which lowers fuel economy. Take out anything from the trunk or back seats that you don’t regularly need. This can make your drive more efficient.