Can I get away using the "middle" grade of gas (between Regular and Premium/Supreme) in my 2018 Audi Q5?

I have heard that many high-end manufacturers "recommend" the highest grade "for best performance" but I would like to save some $$$ (it all adds up, you know) if it will not damage the engine or void the warranty.

Pros and Cons?

 

Just picked up my 2018 Q5 tonight from being detailed, and first fill up. The sales manager told me 91 Octane is what is recommended, and this is printed on the inside of your fuel door. At the pump, he pointed to the 93 Octane and told me that "supreme" is not required.

Check out this web site: https://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy...g-premium.html

The tradeoff may be fuel economy with the turbo engine. My assumption would be better gas mileage and performance with 91 Octane.

 

Great response! Thanks for the feedback.

 

From what I’ve been told by “experts”, the octane has a bearing on the rate of flame front generation in the cylinder after compression/spark ignition. While older vehicles may knock on lower octane fuels, modern computer controlled engines, especially high end ones, automatically adjust for ignition behaviour. So unless your engine knocks (perhaps under heaving towing load, hot mountainous driving etc) the premium you pay for..premium...isn’t worth it. In my area it runs on average 20% more than regular. I still use it for long highway high speed driving, but not local stuff. Honestly I see no difference in mileage or performance. I do see a difference in my fuel bill though!