19 MPG combined is what you get with the 2020 Porsche Panamera GTS 4.0L V8. Frankly, anyone choosing this version of Porsche’s hatchback isn’t focused on saving gas. They want drama, a roaring engine, and the balanced handling that Porsche delivers in a large car. The GTS name means something, this car is for drivers, not passengers. Fuel economy isn’t the priority.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These numbers are what you can expect from a high-performance V8 engine and an eight-speed automatic that shifts quickly and delivers power instantly. The transmission will upshift early when cruising to save fuel, but you’ll always want to tap into the engine’s torque. City driving, with constant stopping and chances to accelerate, will use more gas. The highway MPG, while better, is still impacted by the large hatchback’s aerodynamics.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Porsche Panamera GTS at $3,050. This assumes 15,000 miles driven each year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel price at the time. Fuel expenses will change based on driving style, location, and gas prices. If you drive mostly in the city and accelerate hard, you could easily spend more than that. If you have long highway trips and a lighter foot, you might spend less. Either way, expect to pay at least three thousand dollars a year on gas for the Panamera GTS.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides an estimate, but real-world MPG often differs. Traffic, hills, and driving style all change things. Panamera GTS owners should know that achieving the EPA’s combined MPG consistently takes effort. If you often the Sport or Sport Plus modes, or regularly use the engine’s high RPMs, expect MPG closer to the city estimate, or even worse. Sticking to Normal mode, anticipating traffic, and keeping a steady highway speed can get you closer to, or even slightly better than, the EPA’s highway rating.

How it compares

The Panamera GTS’s fuel consumption is similar to other performance luxury cars. A comparable BMW M5 Competition, with its 4.4-liter V8, gets an EPA estimated 17 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe, another option with a similar mission and a 4.0-liter V8, gets 18 MPG combined. Inside the Porsche family, PANAMERA MPG across all years shows that a Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, though more complex, can get better MPG in some situations because of its plug-in hybrid system. But, the GTS is made for driving feel and a better exhaust note over saving gas, and buyers usually accept that. Comparing the GTS to more efficient cars, like a standard Panamera or a smaller sedan, isn’t really fair because it defeats the purpose of this model. For access to all Porsche fuel economy data you can check our database.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Panamera GTS isn’t made for saving every drop of gas, but small changes can still lead to savings. Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking when you can. Watch traffic and keep a steady speed to use less fuel. Smooth inputs are important.

For daily driving, use Normal mode. Sport and Sport Plus make the throttle more sensitive and change shift points for faster performance, but they also use more fuel. Save these modes for fun drives or track days. Using Normal mode regularly will save gas.

Make sure your tires are inflated correctly. Low tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressures often and inflate them to the recommended levels, which are on the sticker inside the driver’s door.

Remove any extra weight from the car. Extra items in the trunk or cabin increase the car’s weight, reducing MPG. Removing extra weight, even a little, can add up over time.

Plan your routes carefully to avoid traffic. Idling burns gas without going anywhere. Using navigation apps to find and avoid traffic can save fuel and reduce stress.