Audi RS6 Performance – MPG and running costs

Mild-hybrid technology and cylinder deactivation do their best to pull respectable fuel economy figures from an otherwise performance-orientated twin turbocharged V8 engine. They’re not magic though, so a combined figure of up to 22.8mpg is as high as you’re getting officially, and CO2 a minimum of 281g/km, putting it in the highest VED bracket.

The reality might actually be better though. While the V8 will indeed slurp fuel when you’re using its full potential, we’ve found the RS6 surprisingly frugal on longer, steady runs, regularly achieving a nice round 30mpg on longer, calmer trips. The cylinder deactivation kicks in quite frequently if you keep things steady, and a coasting function in the transmission allows the engine to idle when you decelerate, livening back up instantly when you prod the accelerator.