Audi S4 Avant
15.5 MPG The 2008 Audi S4 Avant is EPA-rated at 15.5 MPG combined (13.5 city / 20.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 968 gallons, $3097 a year in fuel, or $0.206 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2001–2008 run it averages 16.6 MPG, falling by 2.5 MPG over 7 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.161 | $1613 | $2419 | $3226 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.194 | $1935 | $2903 | $3871 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.206 | $2065 | $3097 | $4129 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.226 | $2258 | $3387 | $4516 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.258 | $2581 | $3871 | $5161 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.290 | $2903 | $4355 | $5806 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.323 | $3226 | $4839 | $6452 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 15.5 MPG | 13.5 | 20.5 | $4975 | 574 | 2 |
| 2007 | 15.5 MPG | 13.5 | 20.5 | $4975 | 574 | 2 |
| 2006 | 16 MPG | 13.5 | 20.5 | $4800 | 555 | 2 |
| 2005 | 16 MPG | 13.5 | 20.5 | $4800 | 555 | 2 |
| 2004 | 17 MPG | 14.5 | 21 | $4550 | 525 | 2 |
| 2002 | 18 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 2001 | 18 MPG | 15.5 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 76 small station wagons models tracked here, the Audi S4 Avant ranks 76 on current figures, against a class average of 29.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Cadillac CTS Wagon (18), Nissan Maxima Wagon (18), Volkswagen Quantum Wagon (18.5), BMW 325xi Sport Wagon (20), Infiniti EX35 (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 574 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.6 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Audi S4 Avant get?
The 2008 Audi S4 Avant is rated at 15.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 13.5 city and 20.5 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 16.6 MPG, ranging from 15 to 18 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Audi S4 Avant cost in fuel per year?
At 15.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 968 gallons — roughly $3097 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.206 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2008 model is $4975.
Has the Audi S4 Avant become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 18 MPG in 2001 to 15.5 in 2008. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Audi S4 Avant efficient for its class?
It ranks 76 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.6 MPG. That is 14.1 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.