The 2023 Audi SQ7’s MPG Is Exactly What You’d Expect From A V8 SUV – SlashGear

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ SUV, for example, pairs its 4.0-liter V8 gas engine with mild hybrid technology. An electric starter-generator can contribute power as well as recharge the SUV’s small battery. Even then, though, the economy gains are still relatively minimal.

According to the EPA, the 2023 Audi SQ7 will do 14 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg on the combined cycle. The AMG matches the combined and highway numbers, but the mild hybrid electrification helps lift the city rating to 15 mpg. Even so, the EPA suggests owners of each SUV will spend $9,250 more on fuel costs over five years, compared to the average new vehicle.

Then again, that looks positively frugal (or, well, nearly) compared to the BMW X5 M Competition. It’s EPA-rated for 13 mpg in the city, 18 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg combined, and owners can expect to spend $11,500 more in fuel costs over five years. Whether drivers of this sort of SUV will care about that is questionable, but it’s a reminder that the transition to electric — and upcoming EVs like the 496 horsepower Audi SQ8 e-tron SUV — will bring economy benefits along with their instantaneous torque.