Do All Luxury Cars Really Need Premium Gas?
December 4, 2025
Do All Luxury Cars Really Need Premium Gas?
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Many drivers assume every luxury vehicle needs premium gas—it feels like part of the price of owning a high-end vehicle.
But the truth is, some luxury cars do need premium gas, some perform a bit better with it, and plenty run on regular without any trouble.
Premium fuel matters for engines built for tight precision and higher power, but modern vehicles use advanced sensors and smart combustion systems, so the fuel you choose depends on the engine itself, not the luxury badge on the hood.
At Distinctive Auto Works, we see how fuel choice affects long-term performance every day. We work on some of Canada’s most advanced luxury vehicles, and we know what each manufacturer expects from their engines.
Here’s what to know before you fill up.
Why Some Luxury Cars Need Premium Gas
Premium gas has a higher octane rating, and that higher rating helps prevent engine knock, which happens when fuel ignites too early in a high-compression engine. Knock can affect performance and put extra strain on internal parts.
Brands known for high-compression or turbocharged engines, like BMW, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Audi S models, Jaguar, and Land Rover, often require premium because their engines run hotter, faster, and with tighter tolerances. These engines rely on fuel that burns at the right moment, every time.
Premium fuel is about protecting the engineering under the hood, because when the fuel burns properly, the engine delivers the smooth, controlled power it was designed for.
When Regular Gas Is Perfectly Fine
A luxury car doesn’t automatically equal premium fuel. Many models say “premium recommended” rather than “premium required,” and that small wording change matters.
Required means the engine needs premium. Using regular gas can reduce power and increase engine knock over time.
Recommended means the vehicle performs at its best on premium, but regular fuel won’t cause harm. You might lose a bit of horsepower or efficiency, but nothing major.
Several luxury vehicles from Lexus, Lincoln, Acura, and Volvo run on regular gas with no issues, and the clearest answer will always come from your owner’s manual or the label on your fuel door.
Quick Tip Box
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- Use premium when it’s required.
- Use regular if your manual says premium is only recommended.
- When unsure, ask a DAW technician—we’re happy to check for you.
Performance, Cost, and Engine Health
People often assume premium gas boosts power or fuel economy, but for vehicles designed for regular gas, it doesn’t.
- Power: Engines that allow regular but prefer premium usually lose only 1–3% in performance.
- Fuel economy: The difference is so small most drivers won’t notice it.
- Cost: Premium fuel in Canada costs roughly 20–25% more per litre.
Premium fuel won’t clean your engine or improve mileage if your vehicle isn’t built for it, but using regular gas in an engine that requires premium can cause long-term issues.
That includes timing adjustments, knock sensor activity, rough running, and even warranty concerns in severe cases.
The Canadian Context
Canada uses AKI (Anti-Knock Index) ratings at the pump:
• Regular: 87
• Mid-grade: 89
• Premium: 91–94
Cold temperatures and high altitudes affect combustion, which can make octane more important in winter, especially for high-performance engines.
Whenever possible, choose Top Tier fuel brands. They include higher detergent levels that help keep injectors and combustion chambers cleaner. It’s a better investment than buying an octane level your engine doesn’t actually need.
Because we work on so many luxury vehicles in winter climates, we see how misuse—mixed with short trips, cold starts, and rough conditions—can speed up wear. The right fuel helps protect the precision your vehicle was engineered for.
What to Do If You Used the Wrong Fuel
If you accidentally filled a premium-required vehicle with regular gas once, take a breath. It’s not the end of the world.
Drive gently and top up with premium as soon as you can, and avoid hard acceleration, towing, or high speeds until you’ve cycled through that tank.
The bigger problem comes from repeated use of regular gas in a premium-required engine. Over time, that can lead to knock, carbon buildup, timing issues, and poor driveability.
If the engine starts idling roughly, feels sluggish, or shows a warning light, bring it to an OEM-certified shop. At DAW, we use factory diagnostics to catch early signs of knock, timing pull, or misfire issues tied to fuel choice.
Need help after a misfuel? Book an OEM-certified diagnostic at DAW.
How DAW Protects Your Performance
Every luxury brand has its own engineering standards, and we follow those standards exactly.
Our technicians use the same diagnostic tools, repair methods, and procedures that the manufacturers use. This matters for engine performance because modern vehicles rely heavily on software, timing systems, and advanced sensors.
When a vehicle comes in, whether it’s for collision repair or a mechanical concern, we restore it to the exact condition the factory intended. That includes calibrating engine components, updating software, and making sure everything from ignition timing to high-tech safety systems is working the way it should.
With DAW, every detail is handled with precision. That’s how we protect your investment and help your vehicle stay strong for years.
Not every luxury car needs premium gas, and not every engine benefits from it. The right fuel choice depends on design, compression, and how the manufacturer built the engine to run.
Your manual gives the most accurate instructions, but long-term reliability comes from proper care.
With OEM certifications, advanced diagnostics, and decades of experience working on high-performance vehicles, DAW helps your luxury car run exactly the way its engineers intended.
FAQs on Premium Gas
What happens if you put regular gas in a luxury vehicle?
If your vehicle needs premium, regular gas can cause mild engine knock and reduced power. Modern engines adjust timing to protect themselves, so one tank is not a disaster, but the real concern is long-term use. Repeated fill-ups with low-octane fuel can lead to carbon buildup, rough running, or worn components. If the engine feels off afterward, book a check with a certified technician.
What kind of gas does a luxury car take?
Each luxury model is different. Some engines are built for premium, some are tuned to run best on it, and others perform well on regular without losing power or reliability. Your owner’s manual gives the most accurate answer, and you can also check the label inside the fuel door. If you’re unsure, a quick chat with a DAW technician clears it up.
Why do luxury cars use premium gas?
Many luxury engines use higher compression or turbocharging. These designs need fuel that burns at the right time to avoid knock and protect internal parts. Premium fuel handles heat and pressure better, which helps the engine stay smooth and responsive. Using the correct fuel keeps performance steady and reduces long-term wear.
What luxury car has the least problems?
Lexus and Acura often rank near the top for long-term dependability because their engines and hybrid systems are known for lasting many years with fewer major repairs. Many of their models also run on regular gas, which lowers operating costs. Still, every vehicle needs the right fuel and proper maintenance to stay reliable.
