The 27 MPG combined rating for the 2019 Audi A5 Sportback quattro 2.0L suggests the buyer appreciates a combination of style, performance, and all-weather capability rather than prioritizing ultimate fuel savings. They likely understand the trade-off and choose the Audi’s unique styling and driving experience over hybrid-level efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 A5 Sportback quattro are 23 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go driving, where the turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system work harder. However, the highway number shows the 2.0L 4-cylinder’s efficiency when cruising at a steady speed. While 34 MPG is respectable, spirited driving and aggressive acceleration, driving styles that the A5 Sportback encourages, will significantly impact that number. The seven-speed automatic transmission (AM-S7) is important here, offering smooth shifts and helping to optimize fuel consumption when driven conservatively.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Audi A5 Sportback quattro 2.0L is $2,150. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year with a mix of city and highway driving, and assumes national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the grade of gasoline used. This number provides a useful benchmark for comparing the A5 Sportback to other vehicles in its class, helping prospective buyers factor fuel costs into their ownership budget.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a good starting point, real-world fuel economy often differs. The A5 Sportback’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, while providing exceptional grip and stability, adds weight and complexity that can negatively impact fuel consumption. Driving style is also a major factor and aggressive driving will result in figures well below the EPA estimates. On the other hand, smooth acceleration, anticipating traffic flow, and using cruise control on the highway can help you achieve or even exceed the official MPG numbers. Expect to see figures in the low-to-mid 20s in the city, and upper 20s to low 30s in mixed driving, if driving efficiently.

How it compares

The A5 Sportback’s fuel economy places it among its rivals. The BMW 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, a direct competitor with similar performance and all-wheel drive, has an EPA rating of 24 MPG combined. The Acura TLX SH-AWD with the 2.0L turbo engine achieves 24 MPG combined. These figures show that the A5 Sportback offers competitive, though not class-leading, fuel efficiency. The Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC sedan lands at 26 MPG combined, very close to the Audi’s numbers. The A5 buyer is likely cross-shopping these cars and is willing to accept similar MPG numbers in exchange for the Audi’s unique styling and driving characteristics. You can also browse A5 MPG across all years for additional comparison points.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Pay attention to tire pressure. Maintaining the recommended tire pressure ensures optimal rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel consumption. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes, and inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker.

Anticipate traffic and drive smoothly. Avoiding abrupt acceleration and braking not only improves fuel economy but also enhances driving comfort. Look ahead, maintain a safe following distance, and allow the car to coast when possible, such as when approaching a red light. This gentle style helps the automatic transmission spend more time in higher, more efficient gears.

Minimize idling. Excessive idling burns fuel without covering any distance. If you are stopped for more than a minute, such as at a long traffic light or waiting to pick someone up, consider turning off the engine. Remember to factor in the restart time when the light turns green.

Use cruise control effectively. On long highway drives, cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed and reduce fuel consumption. Be mindful of hills, because cruise control can sometimes cause the transmission to downshift unnecessarily on inclines, negating some of its efficiency benefits. Consider switching to manual shift mode to maintain a steady gear on hills.

Keep the car properly maintained. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections, ensures that the engine is running at peak efficiency. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. You can also compare this to all Audi fuel economy data to understand where the A5 falls in the lineup.