Since the start of the year 2021, The Biden administration has proposed new fuel economy standards that would require cars and trucks to get an average of 58 miles per gallon by 2030. This would be a significant increase from the current standards, which require cars to get an average of 39 miles per gallon. And as ambitious as this proposal seems, I feel as though most of society is looking towards the ‘big 3’, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, to lead the charge in higher fuel efficiency numbers. However, a number of luxury brands are rising up to the challenge as well. For example, Audi is known for its luxury cars, but they also offer a number of fuel-efficient models that are perfect for those who want to save money on gas. Over the last few years, Audi has expanded their model line up to include more hybrid and electric technologies and are actively switching over to using more lightweight materials in their cars to reduce weight, drag, and increase overall aerodynamics which can lead to more fuel savings.
While premium quality materials can come with a hefty premium price tag, Audi does offer certain models that fall below $50,000, even brand new. Here are the top 6 fuel-efficient Audi cars under $50k.
- Audi A3 Sportback e-tron
- Starting MSRP: $45,900
- Fuel economy: 41 city/49 hwy mpg
The A3 Sportback e-tron is a plug-in hybrid hatchback that offers up to 24 miles of electric-only range. It’s powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that combine to produce 201 horsepower.
- Audi A4 2.0T
- Starting MSRP: $41,900
- Fuel economy: 24 city/32 hwy mpg
The A4 2.0T is a luxury sedan that’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower. It gets up to 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
- Audi A5 Sportback 2.0T
- Starting MSRP: $44,900
- Fuel economy: 23 city/30 hwy mpg
The A5 Sportback 2.0T is a luxury hatchback that’s powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the A4 2.0T. It gets up to 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
- Audi Q3 45 TFSI
- Starting MSRP: $37,400
- Fuel economy: 22 city/31 hwy mpg
The Q3 45 TFSI is a luxury SUV that’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower. It gets up to 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
- Audi A3 2.0T
- Starting MSRP: $33,900
- Fuel economy: 24 city/32 hwy mpg
The A3 2.0T is a luxury sedan that’s powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the A4 2.0T and A5 Sportback 2.0T. It gets up to 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
- Audi Q2 35 TFSI
- Starting MSRP: $36,900
- Fuel economy: 22 city/30 hwy mpg
The Q2 35 TFSI is a luxury SUV that’s powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower. It gets up to 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Audi is committed to providing more fuel efficient models, and it is working to make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible to consumers. The company believes that electric vehicles are the future of transportation, and it is investing heavily in this area.
*Please note that these prices are only reflective of 2023 new car values and are subject to change based upon market conditions*