The 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback gets 21 MPG combined. It’s a figure that won’t win any awards for fuel efficiency, but fuel efficiency is not the main concern for the buyer of this car. This isn’t a grocery-getter, it’s a performance-oriented machine in a stylish, practical package. The RS 5 Sportback appeals to those who want exhilarating power and sharp handling, and who need usable rear seats and a hatchback for weekend trips. These buyers understand that a compromise is required, and they are willing to make it at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the RS 5 Sportback achieves 18 MPG in the city, where stop-and-go traffic and hard acceleration use more fuel. The 2.9L twin-turbo V6 offers plenty of low-end torque for quick bursts, but it also demands fuel. Out on the open road, the highway figure improves to 25 MPG. The 8-speed automatic transmission (S8) allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs to get more miles per gallon. But even on the highway, resisting the urge to use the engine’s responsiveness will be a constant battle that impacts real-world fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback at $2,750. This number is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a percentage of those miles driven in the city versus on the highway, and uses national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance, so that cost will factor into calculating a personal estimate. Drivers who mostly drive in the city or who accelerate more often should expect to spend more than the EPA’s calculation. However, those who primarily use the car for long highway journeys and drive conservatively could see lower fuel costs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized benchmark, but real-world MPG will vary based on driving style, traffic conditions, and even weather. Expect that advertised 21 MPG combined figure to change. Hard acceleration, especially from a standstill, will decrease fuel economy. In the same way, prolonged idling in traffic will also hurt fuel economy. If you’re consistently pushing the RS 5 Sportback to its limits, and that’s tempting, expect to see numbers closer to the city estimate, and maybe even below. A more relaxed driving style, with gentle acceleration and anticipatory braking, will help you get closer to the combined or even the highway MPG figure. This car rewards responsible driving, but it also begs to be driven hard.

How it compares

The RS 5 Sportback isn’t alone in the performance sedan market. Consider the Mercedes-AMG C43 Sedan. It’s no longer offered with a six-cylinder, but similar performance can be achieved with the current C43 which achieves 21 MPG combined. Then there’s the BMW M340i xDrive. The M340i offers a similar blend of performance and practicality and achieves 26 MPG combined, making it a more fuel-efficient choice, but it is not a direct competitor in terms of power or price. The differences are noticeable when compared to something like a Tesla Model 3 Performance (131 MPGe combined). However, that comparison is irrelevant for anyone unwilling to go electric. Someone considering the RS 5 Sportback may cross-shop these cars, but they are mainly looking for a compromise between performance, luxury and practicality. One can examine RS MPG across all years to see how the RS models traditionally perform.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The best way to improve fuel economy in the RS 5 Sportback is to drive more smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking. Watch the traffic flow and keep a consistent speed. A less aggressive approach will result in fewer trips to the gas station.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which are on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. This is relevant on a performance vehicle like the RS5 which places more demands on its tires.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling consumes fuel without moving the car. The RS 5 Sportback does feature stop/start functionality, but even the automatic system has its limitations.

Remove any unnecessary items from the car to reduce weight. Excess weight increases fuel consumption, especially during acceleration and hill climbs. Keeping the car clutter-free is a simple way to improve fuel efficiency, even if only by a little.

Use drive select modes. The Audi Drive Select system offers driving modes, including an “Efficiency” mode. This mode can help optimize fuel consumption during long highway drives, even though it might dampen throttle response and shift points. You can find all Audi fuel economy data to easily compare MPG between models.