Audi R8 coupe - MPG, running costs & CO2

No matter which way you look at it, the R8 won’t be cheap to run. Its enormous 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine is a technical masterpiece, but fuel, servicing and insurance costs all – like the car itself – require deep pockets.

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Audi R8 MPG & CO2

Although the first-generation Audi R8 was available with a smaller 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine, the current car’s 5.2-litre V10 is more advanced, so actually represents an improvement in fuel economy. That’s not to say it’s particularly frugal, though: all versions of the R8 officially return between 21-22mpg with CO2 emissions ranging from 285g/km up to 297g/km. R8 owners will need to stump up the VED (road tax) surcharge for luxury cars costing more than £40,000 in years two to six, but it falls to the standard rate after this period.

The Jaguar F-Type R in four-wheel-drive form is capable of around 25mpg, while the four-wheel-drive Porsche 911 Carrera 4S officially returns up to 27.7mpg. If you want a fast Audi that's more affordable to run and doesn't have tailpipe emissions, the Audi RS e-Tron GT has electric motors serving up 637bhp.

Insurance groups

Again, it should come as no surprise that as a 205mph supercar, the Audi R8 sits in group 50 out of 50. Expect four-figure premiums and a hefty excess. This isn't a car you're likely to want to leave parked on the street or even out against the elements in winter.

Warranty

Just because you’re spending the equivalent of a small house on a car, don’t expect preferential warranty conditions: the R8 gets the same three-year/60,000-mile warranty all other Audis come with. Given the amount most supercars are driven, the time period will probably elapse long before the mileage limit is reached.

Servicing

The R8’s services alternate between a minor and a major; they cost around £500 and £1,000 respectively. Budget £1,200 or so for four new tyres and roughly £500 for a set of brake pads.