24 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling competitions, but it’s a reasonable trade-off for the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback and its blend of performance, practicality, and premium features. This isn’t a car bought solely for maximum fuel savings; it’s for the driver who appreciates a spirited engine, quattro all-wheel drive, and a sleek, hatchback-like design in a luxury package.

City and highway performance

The S5 Sportback’s EPA ratings break down to 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the demands of stop-and-go traffic, where the turbocharger is frequently spooled up and the automatic transmission is constantly shifting. The highway number showcases the efficiency possible when cruising at a steady speed, highlighting the benefits of the eight-speed automatic and the engine’s ability to settle into a more relaxed state. These figures come from its 3.0L 6-cyl engine and automatic (AM-S8) transmission.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback at $2,400. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a blend of city and highway driving, and assumes the prevailing national average fuel price. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. Factors like aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, and using premium fuel more often than necessary can all increase your real-world running costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy always varies. S5 Sportback owners report achieving figures close to the EPA estimates, but aggressive driving, mountainous terrain, or excessive idling can lower those numbers. However, careful drivers who prioritize smooth acceleration and anticipate traffic conditions can often exceed the EPA’s highway rating. Keep an eye on your trip computer and track your fuel consumption over several tanks to get a better understanding of your average MPG. If these numbers are too scary, you can always review all Audi fuel economy data.

How it compares

The S5 Sportback’s fuel economy is competitive within its class, but there are some differences. For instance, the BMW 440i Gran Coupe, another sporty four-door hatchback, achieves similar numbers, with the xDrive version hovering around 23 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Sedan, while offering significantly more power, comes in slightly lower at around 22 MPG combined. These differences, while subtle, can influence the decision for buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency alongside performance. Owners looking for efficiency may want to review S5 MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the Audi Drive Select system. Choosing the “Efficiency” mode can alter the engine mapping and transmission behavior to prioritize fuel conservation. This mode typically softens throttle response and encourages earlier upshifts, resulting in lower fuel consumption, especially during city driving.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels specified on the doorjamb sticker.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Carrying excessive cargo in the trunk or on the roof rack increases the car’s overall weight, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce weight and improve efficiency.

Practice smooth acceleration and braking. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these habits consume more fuel. Instead, accelerate gradually and anticipate traffic conditions to minimize braking. Coasting to a stop whenever possible can also save fuel.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. However, avoid using cruise control in hilly terrain, where the system may aggressively downshift to maintain speed, negating any potential fuel savings.