22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but for the 2025 Audi S6, it’s the price of admission. This isn’t a car bought for its frugality; it’s purchased for its precision, its performance, and its understated sporting character. The S6 buyer wants the all-weather composure of Quattro all-wheel drive, the refined power of a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, and the meticulously crafted interior that defines Audi. They understand that extracting 444 horsepower from a 2.9-liter engine requires fuel, and they’re willing to accept that trade-off.

city and highway performance

The official EPA figures break down into 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the S6’s turbocharger is frequently spooled up as you accelerate between lights. The highway figure is more respectable, suggesting efficient gearing of the eight-speed automatic transmission and the engine’s ability to cruise comfortably at higher speeds. While 27 MPG suggests decent highway efficiency, remember that dipping heavily into the throttle to execute a pass or maintain speed on an incline will negatively impact those numbers. With all Audi fuel economy data available to review, you can see how the S6 balances power with passable efficiency.

annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2025 Audi S6 is $2,650. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving habits, and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Of course, your actual fuel cost may vary depending on your driving style, the type of fuel you use, and the prevailing gas prices in your area. It’s a solid estimate, but take it as a guideline rather than a precise prediction of your expenses.

real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a standardized benchmark, real-world MPG for the S6 will inevitably fluctuate based on driving conditions and habits. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and prolonged idling will all reduce fuel economy. Conversely, smooth acceleration, anticipatory driving, and using the car’s efficiency modes can help to improve MPG. Expect to see numbers slightly below the EPA estimates if you spend most of your time in congested city traffic or driving the S6 in a spirited manner.

Likewise, you might see highway numbers that exceed the EPA’s rating if you maintain a consistent speed on relatively flat terrain.

how it compares

The S6 occupies a specific niche in the performance sedan segment, and its fuel economy needs to be viewed in that context. The BMW M550i xDrive, a direct competitor, posts similar EPA estimates, around 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. While other luxury sedans like the Lexus GS (discontinued, but relevant for used car comparisons) offered better MPG in non-performance trims, they lacked the S6’s outright power and sporting character. Even an electrified competitor like the Mercedes-AMG C43 offers similar real-world MPG numbers, despite its hybrid assist. The reality is that extracting this level of performance from a gasoline engine comes at a cost, and the S6 buyer understands this tradeoff. Comparing the S6 MPG across all years shows how the model’s fuel economy has evolved without sacrificing performance.

tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of Audi Drive Select. The S6 offers various driving modes, including “Efficiency” mode, which optimizes engine and transmission settings for improved fuel economy. Select this mode when cruising on the highway or driving in low-demand situations to minimize fuel consumption. It might dull the throttle response slightly, but the MPG gains can be noticeable.

Pay attention to tire pressure. Ensuring that your tires are properly inflated can significantly improve fuel economy. Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel, especially in modern turbocharged engines like the S6’s. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s generally more efficient to turn off the engine. The S6’s start-stop system can also help with this, automatically shutting off the engine at stoplights and restarting it when you release the brake pedal.

Drive smoothly and predictably. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking consume more fuel than gradual acceleration and anticipatory driving. Maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden changes in throttle position. By anticipating traffic flow and planning your maneuvers in advance, you can minimize fuel consumption without sacrificing driving enjoyment.