The 2024 Audi A6 quattro 2.0L gets 26 MPG combined. While that won’t win any hypermiling contests, it’s a reasonable compromise for buyers seeking a refined driving experience and all-weather confidence thanks to quattro all-wheel drive, and the understated elegance of the A6. People buy this vehicle for more than just fuel economy, it reflects what they value.

City and highway performance

The EPA says the A6 quattro 2.0L achieves 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The 10 MPG difference shows the benefits of cruising at steady speeds. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivers plenty of torque at low RPMs, providing responsive acceleration around town. On the open road, the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission keeps the engine in its most efficient range, contributing to the good highway number. Drivers who spend most of their time in stop-and-go traffic will likely see numbers closer to the city estimate, while those with longer commutes will get better highway MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Audi A6 quattro 2.0L at $2,250. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using current average national fuel prices. Remember that this is just an estimate. Actual fuel costs will vary based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific grade of gasoline used.

While the A6 doesn’t require premium fuel, its performance and fuel efficiency will be better if you use it, which may offset some of the higher cost per gallon. The $2,250 annual fuel cost should be considered alongside insurance, maintenance, and depreciation when calculating the total cost of owning this luxury vehicle.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides standardized testing, but real-world MPG can change based on driving style and conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and speeding will all hurt fuel economy. But smooth acceleration, anticipating traffic, and steady highway speeds can help drivers get closer to or even exceed the EPA estimates. The A6’s drivetrain includes start-stop, which shuts off the engine at idle to save fuel which helps in theory although many drivers dislike how it feels and disable it. The weight carried in the vehicle and the outside temperature also affect fuel consumption.

How it compares

The 2024 A6 quattro 2.0L competes in a segment where fuel efficiency is only one factor. The BMW 530i xDrive, a direct competitor, gets a similar 27 MPG combined with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. The Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC, another key competitor, is rated at 25 MPG combined from its 2.0-liter turbo. The Lexus ES 350, which doesn’t offer all-wheel drive on every model, gets a slightly better 26 MPG combined in its standard front-wheel-drive version, appealing to buyers who value less gas above all-weather capability. These seemingly small differences can add up over time, impacting the total cost of ownership.

Smart shoppers often compare all Audi fuel economy data along with competitors when deciding which vehicle offers the best blend of performance and efficiency. You can also drill down to A6 MPG across all years to see the historical trend.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Audi Drive Select system. The “Efficiency” mode optimizes vehicle parameters, including throttle response, transmission shift points, and climate control settings, to save fuel. While it might reduce responsiveness slightly, it can improve MPG, especially on longer highway drives.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure for your A6. A simple tire pressure monitoring system will tell you when your tires need air.

Keep idling time to a minimum. Even with the start-stop system on, idling burns fuel. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine manually. However, follow all traffic laws.

Avoid aggressive driving. Fast acceleration and hard braking use much more fuel than smooth actions. Look ahead and maintain a consistent speed when you can. The Audi A6 is designed to deliver a refined and comfortable ride, and driving it that way will get you better gas mileage.

Reduce weight. Extra weight in the vehicle can reduce fuel efficiency. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger area to reduce the load on the engine.