The 2024 Audi RS 5 Coupe 2.9L 6-cyl gets 21 MPG combined, but that’s not the main reason someone buys one. It’s a side effect, a number on a sticker you accept as the price you pay for exhilarating acceleration, sharp handling, and stylish design. The RS 5 isn’t about practicality or frugality; it’s about driving pleasure and making a statement.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the RS 5 Coupe achieves 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 constantly accelerates the car. The highway number is more appealing, suggesting the RS 5 can achieve respectable fuel economy when cruising at a consistent speed. However, the temptation to use the engine’s power will likely lead to lower numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Audi RS 5 Coupe at precisely $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is an estimate, and your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, location, and current fuel prices. Someone who lives in a city with high fuel costs and drives aggressively should expect to pay significantly more than the EPA estimate.

Real-world expectations

RS 5 owners probably won’t consistently achieve the EPA’s combined figure. The car’s performance encourages spirited driving, which impacts fuel consumption. If you frequently engage the car’s full potential, expect the real-world combined MPG to hover around 18-20 MPG. More relaxed driving, with a focus on maintaining a steady pace, will yield numbers closer to the EPA estimates. Checking RS MPG across all years can give potential buyers a better idea of historical performance.

How it compares

The RS 5’s fuel economy is comparable to its competitors. The BMW M4 Competition, another high-performance coupe, achieves a slightly better 16 city / 23 highway MPG. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe, until its recent switch to a hybrid powertrain, offered similar, if not slightly worse, figures in its V8 version. These comparisons matter to potential RS 5 buyers because they highlight the compromises of owning a performance vehicle. None of these cars are particularly fuel-efficient, but understanding their relative performance allows buyers to make an informed decision.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Audi Drive Select system. Selecting the “Comfort” or “Efficiency” mode will remap the throttle response and shift points, encouraging a more relaxed driving style and promoting better fuel economy. This is especially useful during everyday commuting when performance isn’t a priority.

Avoid excessive idling. Modern engines, including the RS 5’s 2.9-liter V6, are designed to be shut off and restarted without causing significant wear. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance, so turn off the engine if you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly using a reliable gauge and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended settings, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. Refer to all Audi fuel economy data to see how other Audis are affected by tire pressure.

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid harsh acceleration and braking. Smooth, progressive inputs minimize energy waste and improve fuel efficiency. By looking ahead and anticipating changes in traffic conditions, you can reduce the need for sudden bursts of speed or abrupt stops.

Lighten the load. Carrying unnecessary weight in your car reduces fuel economy. Remove any items from the trunk or backseat that you don’t need. Every extra pound adds to the engine’s workload, resulting in higher fuel consumption. A clean, uncluttered car is also more efficient.