21 MPG combined is not a major consideration for buyers of the 2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive. This car isn’t bought by someone worried about gas bills, but as a statement, a fast car cloaked in a luxury sedan body, and designed to transport executives rapidly, and occasionally, chauffeur them in comfort. Owners knowingly sacrifice fuel economy for the thrill of a twin-turbocharged V8 pushing them back into leather seats.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. However, the 18 MPG city rating depends on gentle driving, which is unlikely for anyone using the Panamera Turbo Executive’s 550 horsepower. Expect closer to the low teens if you frequently use the engine’s power. The highway number is more achievable, but only if you resist the urge to accelerate quickly. Consistent highway speeds will yield near 25 MPG, but faster driving is different.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $2,750 for the 2020 Panamera Turbo Executive. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a set split between city and highway miles, using national average fuel prices. Owners who mostly drive in cities, or those who drive aggressively, will exceed this figure. Those mainly using the car for highway trips might come in under this, although probably not by much. It’s a figure to be aware of, but not a deciding factor for the typical Panamera Turbo Executive buyer.

Real-world expectations

Achieving the EPA’s combined MPG in real-world driving is optimistic. Aggressive acceleration, “Sport” or “Sport Plus” driving modes, and stop-and-go traffic will lower your fuel economy. The joy of this car is its acceleration and grand touring experience. An owner who wants better fuel efficiency should consider the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid or browse all Porsche fuel economy data instead, or even consider other brands.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the Panamera Turbo Executive’s fuel economy is in the middle. It is also important to consider PANAMERA MPG across all years. The Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan, with its similar twin-turbocharged V8, delivers similar MPG figures, around 17 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. The BMW M760i xDrive, with a V12 engine, uses more fuel, managing around 13 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. The Audi S8, another V8 competitor, achieves similar figures to the Panamera, perhaps slightly better on the highway. However, the Porsche offers a more engaging driving experience, which customers usually favor. The Bentley Flying Spur prioritizes luxury over sporty driving, with even lower fuel economy than the BMW. These are all high-performance luxury sedans, not economy cars. A difference of 2-3 MPG won’t sway a buyer at this level.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the Urge: The biggest fuel economy issue is excessive acceleration. The Panamera Turbo Executive encourages hard driving, but easing off the throttle will increase your MPG. You don’t need to floor the accelerator to drive quickly.

Use Driving Modes: The “Normal” driving mode will maximize fuel efficiency. It relaxes the throttle and optimizes the transmission for economy. Avoid “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes unless you need the performance. This mode is most useful for commuters.

Highway Cruising: On long highway drives, use the adaptive cruise control and maintain a consistent speed. This minimizes acceleration and braking, improving fuel economy. Avoid constantly overtaking, as each acceleration uses more fuel.

Tire Pressure: Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, hurting fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Regular Maintenance: Keep your Panamera Turbo Executive maintained. Oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks ensure the engine runs efficiently. A maintained engine consumes less fuel and delivers performance.