The 2023 Audi A5 Sportback S-Line quattro, with its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, achieves a combined fuel economy rating of 27 MPG. It’s a practical compromise for buyers who prioritize a stylish, sporty, and refined driving experience with all-weather capability. This is a sleek, premium hatch with more than enough performance for daily driving.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the A5 Sportback S-Line at 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the engine spends more time idling or accelerating from a standstill. The reliable 2.0L turbo rewards drivers with plenty of low-end torque. Out on the highway, the 32 MPG is achievable when maintaining consistent speeds, making the A5 Sportback a comfortable and reasonably efficient long-distance cruiser. The seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission aids in efficiency, quickly finding the optimal gear. These figures are based on ideal conditions, and aggressive driving will naturally reduce fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

Based on EPA estimates, the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Audi A5 Sportback S-Line quattro is $2,150. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a blend of city and highway miles, using national average fuel prices. Your personal fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and where you live. This $2,150 figure represents the cost of ownership, an important factor for buyers who want the premium experience of an Audi without breaking the bank at every fill-up.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized rating, real-world fuel economy can vary. Drivers who frequently engage the A5 Sportback’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, or who tend to drive aggressively, may see numbers closer to the low 20s. Conversely, those who primarily use the car for highway commuting and employ a more conservative driving style may find they exceed the 32 MPG highway figure. The A5 Sportback’s driving dynamics encourage spirited driving, so it requires conscious effort and anticipation to maximize fuel efficiency.

How it compares

The A5 Sportback S-Line occupies an interesting niche, blending practicality with luxury and performance. For comparison, the BMW 430i Gran Coupe, another stylish four-door hatchback, delivers similar fuel economy, rated at 25 MPG combined. The Genesis G70 2.0T, with its focus on sporty driving, achieves around 24 MPG combined. Stepping up in performance and price, the Audi S5 Sportback, with its more powerful V6 engine, sacrifices fuel economy, falling to around 22 MPG combined. These comparisons highlight the A5 Sportback S-Line’s sweet spot; it offers a mix of performance, style, and reasonable fuel efficiency, factors that are important to a specific buyer.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the Audi Drive Select system. Selecting “Efficiency” mode will optimize the engine and transmission settings for fuel conservation. This mode typically reduces throttle response and encourages earlier upshifts. But don’t be afraid to switch back to “Comfort” or “Dynamic” when you wish.

Pay attention to your tires. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires not only harm fuel economy but also negatively impact handling and tire wear.

Anticipate traffic flow. Aggressive acceleration and braking waste fuel. By looking ahead and anticipating traffic patterns, you can maintain a more consistent speed and avoid unnecessary stops and starts. This smooth driving style is especially beneficial in city driving, where constant speed changes are common.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Excess cargo in the trunk increases the car’s overall weight, which reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to carry on a regular basis. This can be as simple as taking out golf clubs after a round or emptying the trunk of items accumulated over time.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel economy, especially on long trips. This also reduces driver fatigue. Just be mindful of the traffic conditions and disengage cruise control when needed. You can find all Audi fuel economy data on FuelEconomyHub as well as A5 MPG across all years.