The 2019 Audi S3 gets 25 MPG combined. It’s a figure that won’t impress Prius owners, but it’s perfectly acceptable for buyers wanting a quick and stylish compact sedan with standard all-wheel drive. This car is about performance and image, and the S3 strikes a reasonable balance for its target audience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Audi S3 will achieve 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, figures from standardized testing. Real-world conditions will change this, but these numbers are a useful comparison baseline. The city figure reflects the S3’s quickness in stop-and-go traffic, due to the turbocharged engine’s immediate torque. The highway MPG shows its ability to cruise comfortably and efficiently at higher speeds, assisted by the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that keeps the engine in its sweet spot.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Audi S3 at $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs depend on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the octane rating used. While $2,300 is not insignificant, it’s manageable for most S3 owners who value performance and luxury over ultimate fuel economy. Keep in mind that premium fuel is recommended for best performance, adding to the car’s running costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a starting point, the real-world MPG can vary. Drivers who often accelerate quickly or spend time in heavy traffic may see their MPG drop below 25. But, those who drive smoothly and maintain consistent speeds on the highway could achieve or slightly exceed the EPA’s estimates. Things like tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even weather can subtly change fuel consumption. Checking the S3 MPG across all years, you’ll see similar consistency with previous model years.

How it compares

The Audi S3 is in a competitive class. The BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe, another sporty all-wheel-drive sedan, gets a slightly better 26 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG A 35 offers similar performance and gets around 25 MPG combined. Even the Volkswagen Golf R, which shares its engine with the S3, manages 26 MPG combined, offering similar performance. These comparisons show that the S3’s fuel economy is competitive, but not the best. The buyer’s choice relies on brand preference, styling, and features, more than just fuel efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keep your tires properly inflated. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which improves fuel economy. Check your tire pressures often and inflate them to the recommended levels, which you can find on the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual. This can make a difference over time.

Drive smoothly. Avoid hard starts and sudden stops, since these use more fuel. Watch the traffic and keep a consistent speed to lower fuel usage. In the S3, this lets the transmission work intelligently and keeps the turbocharger from constantly spooling.

Reduce weight. Remove unneeded items from your vehicle because extra weight increases fuel consumption. Clear your trunk and remove roof racks when not in use. Extra weight hurts the 2.0-liter engine and its overall efficiency.

Choose Audi Drive Select modes carefully. Select “Efficiency” mode when you can, which changes engine and transmission settings for better MPG. This mode may reduce the car’s speed, but it can save fuel during highway cruising or relaxed city driving. You can see all Audi fuel economy data on our website.