20 MPG combined is a fuel economy figure that will likely be a footnote for most 2019 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo (ST) buyers. This is a nearly 200 mph wagon with the soul of a supercar; fuel efficiency ranks far below performance and exclusivity on the list of priorities. To be honest, if you’re cross-shopping a Panamera Turbo ST based on MPG, you’re missing the point of this exceptional, if thirsty, machine.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Panamera Turbo ST at 18 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect the compromise of a high-performance vehicle with a large displacement engine. The twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 churns out 550 horsepower, delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission (AM-S8) and all-wheel drive. This powertrain configuration, while capable of acceleration and impressive top speed, needs a considerable amount of fuel to operate at its peak. Stop-and-go city driving puts a greater strain on the engine, leading to lower fuel economy.

Highway driving, although better, still suffers from the engine’s power output and the aerodynamic realities of a performance wagon.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Porsche Panamera Turbo ST at $2,900. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and uses the national average fuel price for premium gasoline, which this high-performance engine requires. Considering the realities of ownership, spirited driving, the occasional track day, and the temptation to unleash all 550 horses, expect to potentially exceed this fuel cost. This is simply the price of admission for owning a vehicle of this type.

Real-world expectations

The official EPA numbers provide a baseline, but real-world driving can vary significantly. Expect to see figures within a reasonable range around the EPA estimates. Conservative driving, prioritizing smooth acceleration and consistent speeds, might yield closer to 23 MPG on the highway. However, frequent bursts of acceleration, engaging Sport or Sport Plus modes, or extended periods of city driving will undoubtedly result in lower numbers. The type of terrain, traffic conditions, and even climate will all impact fuel consumption. Owning a high-performance vehicle requires accepting unpredictability and that chasing MPG isn’t the primary goal. Before you buy, check PANAMERA MPG across all years and different trim levels.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2019 Panamera Turbo ST’s fuel economy is what you might expect. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon, another high-performance estate, achieves a similar 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The Audi RS6 Avant, a more recent competitor, boasts roughly the same numbers. Even other variants within the Panamera lineup, such as the hybrid versions, are designed for a different buyer and prioritize fuel efficiency over outright performance. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, for example, offers significantly better fuel economy, but at the expense of some horsepower and a different driving experience. The prospective buyer of a Turbo ST is interested in performance first, and is willing to accept the compromise in fuel economy, unlike someone researching all all Porsche fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While maximizing fuel efficiency might not be the primary concern of a Panamera Turbo ST owner, some practices can help to improve it without sacrificing too much driving enjoyment. Try easing off the accelerator pedal and avoiding aggressive starts and stops. The powerful engine responds well to gentle inputs, and smoother driving will translate to better fuel economy figures, especially in city conditions.

Keep your tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure. This reduces rolling resistance and can noticeably improve fuel economy, especially on longer highway drives. Tire pressure also affects handling, so maintaining the correct inflation is important for overall performance and safety.

Use the car’s driving modes wisely. Normal mode is calibrated for everyday driving and optimizes fuel efficiency. Sport and Sport Plus modes, while exhilarating, significantly increase fuel consumption. Save the performance modes for those moments when you truly want to unleash the car’s full potential.

Minimize idling. Modern engines are designed to be efficient while in motion, and extended idling wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turning off the engine can save fuel and reduce emissions. While the start/stop system can be a bit abrupt in the Panamera, it does help in traffic.