Owners of the 2020 Porsche Panamera 4S get around 21 MPG combined. The car offers both performance and practicality. It’s not a hybrid pretending to be sporty, and it’s not a pure sports car trying to be practical. It’s a meticulously engineered grand tourer, capable of providing thrills while comfortably carrying passengers and luggage. Buyers accept this fuel economy because they want performance and luxury, along with usability that a 911 can’t offer.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2020 Panamera 4S are 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects city driving with its many stops and starts, causing the twin-turbocharged 2.9L V6 engine to frequently tap into its power to deal with traffic. The highway number, while better, is still affected by the Panamera’s weight and pursuit of performance. Even at cruising speeds, the engine is always ready to accelerate. The smooth-shifting automatic (AM-S8) transmission helps to optimize fuel economy, but the car’s character determines fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Porsche Panamera 4S is $2,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, a mix of city and highway driving, and national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. This is only an estimate. Actual fuel costs will vary depending on how you drive, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used, as the Panamera 4S requires premium gasoline. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and long periods of idling will negatively affect fuel consumption and increase the yearly expense.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world MPG for the Panamera 4S often differs. Expect slightly lower numbers in mixed driving, especially if you often use the engine’s full power. Some drivers report averaging closer to 19-20 MPG in their daily commutes, while highway trips sometimes yield numbers slightly above the EPA estimate. See the PANAMERA MPG across all years for more perspective. Driving style is important. Gentle acceleration, anticipating traffic, and avoiding hard braking can all help improve fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2020 Porsche Panamera 4S is not the only performance luxury sedan. A comparable BMW M550i xDrive, with its 4.4L V8, gets a slightly lower 20 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan, with its mild-hybrid system, manages a similar 24 MPG combined. Audi’s S7, with its turbo V6, closely mirrors the Panamera 4S at 22 MPG combined. These slight differences probably won’t matter to a Panamera buyer, who is often prioritizing Porsche’s unique driving dynamics, design, and brand over small fuel savings. Buyers should all Porsche fuel economy data before buying.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Panamera’s driving modes. Selecting “Normal” or “Eco” mode will reduce the throttle response and optimize the transmission shift points for fuel efficiency. These modes will reduce the car’s performance, but they can help on longer trips.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and keep them at the levels listed on the driver’s side door.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds load, affecting fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk or rear seats. A lighter car is more efficient.

Avoid aggressive driving. Fast acceleration, hard braking, and high speeds all consume more fuel. Use smooth acceleration and anticipate traffic to avoid unnecessary braking, which also makes your brake pads last longer.

Think carefully about the best route to take. Choosing routes with less stop-and-go traffic and lower speed limits can improve fuel efficiency. Planning your trip in advance and avoiding busy areas can save you time and gas.