17 MPG combined. Let’s be honest, that’s not why anyone buys a 2025 Audi RS 7 with the 4.0L V8. This is a five-door coupe designed for blistering performance and head-turning style, a potent blend that prioritizes thrills over thrift. Its drivers seek a visceral experience, not necessarily the lowest fuel bill.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the RS 7 will achieve 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the inherent demands of a high-performance V8 engine powering a relatively heavy vehicle. Stop-and-go traffic hurts fuel economy, and the RS 7’s eagerness to accelerate from every light certainly doesn’t help. While the highway number is slightly more respectable, sustained high-speed cruising still requires significant fuel consumption to overcome aerodynamic drag and maintain the car’s prodigious power output.

Annual fuel cost

Using the EPA’s methodology of 15,000 miles per year and the national average fuel price, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2025 Audi RS 7 comes to $3,400. This figure should inform potential buyers who may justify the initial price tag but might overlook the ongoing expense of feeding its powerful engine.

Consider this: that $3,400 could be a significant down payment on a more fuel-efficient commuter car for daily driving, reserving the RS 7 for weekend excursions or special occasions.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy in the RS 7 often varies widely depending on driving style and conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent use of the sport modes, and prolonged idling will drag those numbers down significantly. Conversely, a more conservative approach, using the car’s adaptive cruise control on long highway stretches, might yield slightly better results.

But truthfully, anyone purchasing an RS 7 isn’t likely prioritizing gentle, fuel-sipping driving habits.

How it compares

Compared to its direct competitors, the RS 7’s fuel economy is generally in line with expectations for this segment. The BMW M8 Gran Coupe, similarly equipped with a high-output V8, posts official figures in approximately the same range (around 17 MPG combined). The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe, another potent rival, doesn’t fare significantly better, even with its advanced mild-hybrid technology.

A Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, while capable of achieving impressive MPGe figures when using its electric motor, suffers a similar fate to the RS 7 when relying solely on its gasoline engine. The key takeaway? Performance at this level demands fuel, and no manufacturer has yet discovered a way to defy the laws of physics. For all Audi fuel economy data, visit Audi’s hub page on FuelEconomyHub.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given the RS 7’s performance-oriented nature, maximizing fuel economy requires a conscious effort to change driving habits. Avoid unnecessary acceleration and brake smoothly, anticipating traffic flow to minimize stop-and-go situations. Using the car’s different drive modes, and selecting a more fuel-efficient mode like “Comfort” or “Efficiency” when not actively seeking performance, can also help.

Check tire pressures regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Maintaining the recommended pressure not only improves fuel economy but also extends tire life and enhances handling.

Minimize idling time. Modern engines are designed to warm up quickly, so there’s no need to let the car idle for extended periods, especially in warm weather. If you anticipate a delay of more than a minute, it’s more efficient to turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to go.

This is especially true for the RS MPG across all years; check out the RS model pages to see patterns over time.

Reduce aerodynamic drag by removing any unnecessary items from the roof rack or cargo carrier. These accessories create wind resistance, which increases fuel consumption, especially at highway speeds. While you’ll likely not fit a ski box to your RS 7, ensure nothing impairs the car’s aerodynamic profile.

Consider routing for trips carefully as often as possible. Avoiding congested areas or construction zones may add a couple of minutes to your drive time but can save fuel as you avoid excessive stopping and starting. Using the car’s navigation system to find efficient routes can positively minimize fuel consumption.