While the 2019 Porsche Panamera 3.0L 6-cyl’s 22 MPG combined won’t break any fuel efficiency records, it’s perfectly acceptable for a large, luxurious, and exceptionally fast hatchback made for long highway trips. People don’t buy this car to prioritize fuel efficiency; it’s a four-door sports car that blends performance and practicality. Owners value driving pleasure and a prestigious badge as much as saving money on gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2019 Panamera 3.0L are 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Keep in mind that these figures should be viewed with caution. The city MPG reflects a lighter, more conservative driving style than most Panamera owners will likely use. The engine’s responsiveness and the car’s eager handling encourage fast acceleration, which impacts fuel consumption. On the highway, 27 MPG is realistic if you maintain a steady speed. However, accelerating to pass or enjoying the engine’s power will lower that number. Given the likelihood of higher speeds on road trips, expect mileage lower than EPA estimates.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,650 for the 2019 Panamera 3.0L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Because the Panamera needs premium fuel, many owners will exceed this cost, especially with more aggressive driving. Expect this number to be higher if you live an urban area with premium fuel, commute in heavy traffic, or regularly use the car’s performance.

Real-world expectations

Realistically, Panamera 3.0L owners can expect combined fuel economy in the high teens to low twenties. The closer you stick to the EPA’s driving parameters, the closer you’ll get to the official figures, but resisting the urge to use even half of the car’s performance may be impossible. Driving style, traffic, and even tire pressure affect fuel economy. Owners with a heavy foot often see actual MPG numbers much lower than the official rating.

How it compares

The 2019 Panamera 3.0L falls in the middle of its class for fuel economy. The BMW 640i Gran Coupe, for example, achieves a similar 24 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 provides similar luxury and performance, but the MPG can drop below 21 MPG. Even the Audi A7, known for its efficient engines, only manages 22 MPG combined in its 3.0T configuration. These slight differences are unlikely to be an important factor for Porsche’s target customer, who prioritize driving and brand recognition over small fuel savings. For those particularly concerned about economy, look at PANAMERA MPG across all years to compare models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Panamera’s automatic transmission has features to improve fuel economy. Selecting “Normal” or “Eco” mode encourages earlier upshifts and smoother throttle response, maximizing time spent in higher gears. This is a simple way to see an immediate improvement in fuel efficiency when not driving for performance.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly, especially before long journeys. Checking tire pressure ensures the best possible fuel use.

Avoid hard acceleration and braking. The 3.0L engine is strong, but using the throttle too much burns fuel unnecessarily. Smooth acceleration and gentle braking help fuel consumption, allowing the engine to consume fuel at a steady pace.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Keeping a consistent speed helps minimize fuel waste. Be mindful of road conditions and traffic, but when appropriate, cruise control can significantly reduce your fuel bill.

Weight matters. Remove any unnecessary items from the car, as extra weight reduces fuel economy. This is important for those who often leave items in the trunk, as the extra weight can hurt overall MPG. Be sure to check all Porsche fuel economy data to compare different models.