The large cars with the best fuel economy in Australia

17/06/2024

Large cars aren’t usually renowned for excellent fuel economy, but there are some standouts that are more efficient than ever.

We’ve included vehicles above and below the $70,000 mark, spanning two segments on the VFACTS sales charts published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

The majority of the following vehicles have a petrol engine.

We have measured based on the variant with the best fuel economy in the range, as quoted figures vary per model.

Click on the car’s name to jump directly to its information on the page or continue scrolling for the full list.

Citroen C5 X

The Citroen C5 X is the only vehicle on our list with a plug-in hybrid option in Australia.

The C5 X Plug-in Hybrid uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated with a 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery.

This is good for claimed combined cycle fuel economy of 1.4L/100km, though this figure is based on the battery being fully charged. There’s a claimed 60km of WLTP electric range on a full battery as well.

Priced at $73,990 before on-road costs, the French plug-in hybrid is backed by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and does not include a spare wheel.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about a Citroen C5 X

MORE: Everything Citroen C5 X

Audi A6

Sitting behind the C5 X is the Audi A6 40 TFSI, which consumes a claimed 6.3L per 100km.

This sedan utilises 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that has 140kW of power and 320Nm of torque. With a 63L tank, the Audi A6 is theoretically capable of covering 1000km on a full tank full tank.

Backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, the A6 starts at $104,100 before on-road costs. It also includes a spare wheel.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about Audi A6

MORE: Everything Audi A6

BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is the third most fuel efficient vehicle in our list.

The single petrol engine option uses 6.7L per 100km and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that has 153kW of power and 330Nm of torque. It also includes a 60L fuel tank capacity.

Priced at $114,470 excluding on-road costs the 520i is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about BMW 5 Series

MORE: Everything BMW 5 Series

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Coming in at $131,500 before on-road costs, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class E300 uses 7.2L per 100km.

The German sedan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine that has 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque. The E-Class is also backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

The E300 features the latest generation of Mercedes Benz’s MBUX infotainment system with a 5G communication module, and does not include a spare wheel.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about Mercedes-Benz E-Class

MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Audi A7

The Audi A7 Sportback starts at $148,900 before on-road costs.

A claimed 7.3L per 100km fuel economy figure is achieved by a 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine that has 250kW of power and 500Nm of torque. The A7 also has a 63L fuel tank.

The five-door liftback is also backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and includes a space saver.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about Audi A7

MORE: Everything Audi A7

Jaguar XF

The English-manufactured Jaguar XF 300 Sport AWD has a fuel economy figure of 7.4L per 100km

Starting at $114,470 (excluding on-road costs), the XF is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque. It also has a 74L fuel tank.

The XF is supported by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and does not include a space saver.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about Jaguar XF

MORE: Everything Jaguar XF

Skoda Superb

Towards the bottom of our list is the Skoda Superb 206TSI Sportline liftback, using 8.0L per 100km.

Current Superb

While it may not be as fuel efficient as other vehicles on this list, it is the cheapest.

Powered by a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine, the Superb has 206kW of power and 350Nm of torque. It also features a spare wheel and 66L fuel tank.

The Superb is also backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and starts at $69,990 excluding on-road costs.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about Skoda Superb

MORE: Everything Skoda Superb

Genesis G80 2.5T

The Korean-manufactured G80 is the final vehicle on our list, using 8.6L per 100km.

Starting at $85,670 excluding on-road costs, the 2.5T variant has a 65L fuel tank, meaning it should theoretically be capable of 756km on a full tank. It also includes a space saver.

Given its name, the 2.5T is fuelled by a 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that has 224kW of power and 422Nm of torque.

BUY: Get in touch with a dealer about Genesis G80

MORE: Everything Genesis G80