30/100
2020Large CarsPremium

2020 Audi S8

EPA ID: 42235
13
City MPG
16
Combined MPG
16MPG· Below Avg
22
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2020 Audi S8 achieves an EPA-estimated 16 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 13 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 4L 8-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a automatic (s8), this large cars features All-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2020 S8 produces approximately 545 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this S8 has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $4,300, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $10,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassLarge Cars
Fuel TypePremium
Engine4L 8-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions545 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemEquipped
GHG Score2/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$4,300
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $10,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
15.9
Impact vs EPA
+$14
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$960/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$28,000
48.6%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$16,406
28.5%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$12,800
22.2%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.7%
Total 5-Year Cost$57,606

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #25V900000·2026-01-14
critical
Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 23, 2025.

Campaign #22V034000·2022-03-03
critical
Component: TIRES

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A5 Sportback, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, 2020-2021 A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q5, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, SQ5, 2021 Q5 Sportback, Q7, Q8, RS6 Avant, RS7, RSQ8, SQ5 Sportback, SQ7, and SQ8 vehicles. The rear axle alignment may not have been inspected after the repairs for Recall 21V-295 (42L1) were performed.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L5.

Campaign #21V295000·2021-06-04
critical
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021 Q7, Q8, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q8, 2020-2021 Audi S6 sedan, Q5, A8, S8, A7, A6 Allroad, A5 Cabriolet, A4 sedan, A4 Allroad, SQ5, S7, A6 sedan, S5 coupe, S4 sedan, S5 Cabriolet, A5 coupe, 2019-2021 RS5 coupe, A5 Sportback, S5 Sportback, RS5 Sportback vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

Campaign #21V111000·2021-03-12
critical
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Audi A8 and 2020-2021 Audi S8 vehicles. A missing sealing pin may allow moisture to enter the engine control module connector, possibly causing a control module malfunction.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: An engine control module malfunction may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine control module connector for a missing sealing pin, and install it, if necessary. The connector will also be inspected for corrosion, and replaced as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 12, 20121. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 97EV.

Loading live complaint data...

Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Audi S8 configurations.

View Model History

Similar 2020 Large Cars Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$4,300
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $10,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City13 MPG
Highway22 MPG
Combined16 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

109.0 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 135 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 9.1 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.