The 2021 Audi A6 quattro with the 3.0L six-cylinder engine gets an official fuel economy rating of 24 MPG combined. This isn’t groundbreaking, but consider what the A6 offers: performance, technology, all-weather capability and luxury in a mid-size car. A6 buyers want a rewarding driving experience and the prestige and features that Audi provides, not just good gas mileage.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city number is relevant for A6 owners in urban and suburban areas with lots of stop-and-go traffic. The 29 MPG highway number shows the engine’s ability to deliver respectable fuel economy at higher speeds. The A6’s smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission and refined engine help with efficient highway driving. The transmission’s tall top gear keeps engine RPMs low at cruising speed.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Audi A6 quattro 3.0L at $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, type of driving, and local fuel prices. If you mainly drive in the city or drive aggressively, you’ll probably spend more. If you do mostly highway driving and drive efficiently, you might spend less. This is just an estimate to help buyers compare models, and it’s one data point as you review all Audi fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a good benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. Driving style, traffic, weather, and even tire pressure can change fuel consumption. Expect numbers that vary around the EPA estimates, depending on your specific situation. If you like to drive fast and often use the engine’s power, you might average closer to 20 MPG overall. Someone who uses the A6 for long highway trips and focuses on efficiency might get over 30 MPG sometimes. Premium fuel is recommended, increasing fuel costs compared to a vehicle that uses regular gas.

How it compares

The Audi A6’s fuel economy is competitive in its class. The BMW 540i xDrive, a direct competitor, gets a similar 25 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC sedan has an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined. The Acura TLX Type S, while sportier, gets an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined. The slight differences in fuel economy are often less important to A6 buyers than the vehicle’s design, technology, and driving experience. They might give up 1-2 MPG for the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, confident in its all-weather stability. Across all years, the A6 MPG across all years has consistently been in this competitive range.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Audi Drive Select system’s “Efficiency” mode when you can. This mode adjusts vehicle settings like throttle response and transmission shift points to save fuel. It’s helpful for highway driving or when you don’t need maximum acceleration.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated and check their pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. The sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb shows the right tire pressure.

Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking. Smooth driving is more fuel-efficient. Watch traffic and keep a consistent speed when possible. Cruise control on the highway can also help.

Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Take out anything from the trunk or back seat that you don’t need. The less weight the engine has to move, the less gas it will use.

Think about using the air conditioning less. While it keeps you comfortable, the A/C system puts extra load on the engine, which can lower fuel economy. When the weather is good, open the windows or use the climate control system’s ventilation.