The 2025 Audi S8 gets 18 MPG combined. It’s not a Prius, but a carefully designed performance sedan with elegant styling and a twin-turbocharged V8. The S8 is bought for its effortless power, refined handling, and understated presence, not for being pragmatic. The fuel economy is simply what you pay for the experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the S8 achieves 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The difference reflects the S8’s character. Stop-and-go city driving requires frequent acceleration from the powerful V8, impacting fuel consumption. The engine’s cylinder deactivation system helps slightly, but is no match for the engine’s displacement. However, on the open road, where the engine cruises, the S8 is surprisingly capable. The long gearing of the automatic transmission also allows for more efficient long-distance travel.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2025 Audi S8 is $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with an assumed fuel price reflecting a national average. Your fuel costs will vary based on your driving habits, fuel type, and prices in your area. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and premium fuel can significantly increase this figure. While it remains a high number, prospective S8 owners are often less concerned with fuel costs and more focused on the driving experience, based on sales of past S8 MPG models.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy in the S8 often differs. Drivers who accelerate quickly will likely see numbers closer to the city estimate, regardless of driving area. But those who prioritize smooth acceleration and consistent highway speeds may achieve figures slightly above the EPA’s highway rating, but only in ideal situations and with careful driving. To see how much MPG varies across models, take a look at S8 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The S8 exists in a small segment of high-performance luxury sedans, and its fuel economy reflects that. The Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance, despite its hybrid powertrain, delivers only slightly better fuel economy, at 16 MPG combined. The BMW M760i xDrive is rated at 17 MPG combined and a comparable annual fuel cost. These numbers highlight that technology can improve efficiency, but high performance leads to unavoidable tradeoffs. Even all-electric competitors like the Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan struggle to match the S8’s long-distance cruising range in real-world conditions, which makes the S8 a continued choice for those who prioritize power. For example, you can compare the S8 numbers with all Audi fuel economy data.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

While fuel efficiency might not be the primary concern for S8 owners, there are ways to minimize fuel consumption without losing the driving experience. Gently accelerating and avoiding sudden bursts of speed is important, especially in city driving. The S8’s engine rewards smooth driving and will save fuel at the same time.

Use the drive select modes to your advantage. The “Efficiency” mode, if available, will alter the engine mapping, transmission shift points, and other vehicle systems to prioritize fuel conservation. While this mode slightly diminishes the S8’s responsiveness, it can make a difference on longer journeys.

Regularly check and maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Consult the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure for your S8.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the vehicle. The S8 is already a large sedan, so carrying extra weight in the trunk will further reduce fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need regularly.

Finally, plan your routes strategically, especially in the city. Avoiding congested areas and peak traffic times can significantly reduce stop-and-go driving, which reduces fuel economy. Consider using navigation apps to identify the most efficient route to your destination.