The EPA estimates 17 MPG combined for the 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S, a figure most owners of this machine will likely disregard. This isn’t a car for sensible commuting or saving fuel; it’s a meticulously engineered performance icon built to shatter lap records and deliver thrills at any cost.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 911 Turbo S’s consumption at 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The somewhat limited highway range might be a factor for those rare owners who take long road trips in their Turbo S. However, this car will mostly experience short bursts of acceleration, weekend track days, and occasional valet parking. In those scenarios, a few miles per gallon are almost irrelevant.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S at $3,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. Because of the Turbo S’s high-performance, most owners will use premium fuel, and some will likely exceed that average mileage with track days and weekend drives. Therefore, $3,400 is best considered a minimum.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy for the 911 Turbo S varies based on driving style. Achieving the EPA’s 20 MPG is possible if driven gently on the highway, but that’s hardly the point. Unleashing the 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque even moderately will cause those numbers to drop into the single digits. For owners who frequently exploit the Turbo S’s acceleration, a realistic average is likely closer to 12-14 MPG. Those who track their cars regularly would be lucky to see double digits.

How it compares

The 911 Turbo S’s fuel economy is about what you’d expect compared to other performance cars. The Audi R8 V10 Performance manages a dismal 14 MPG combined. Aston Martin’s Vantage, a stylish but less track-focused grand tourer, scores 20 MPG combined. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, a very fast plug-in hybrid, offers better MPG when running on electric power, but it drops to about 19 MPG combined once that’s depleted. Buyers of these vehicles recognize that performance and fuel efficiency are often mutually exclusive.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Fuel efficiency isn’t a primary concern for 911 Turbo S owners, but there are ways to minimize fuel consumption, even in a high-performance car. Resist the urge to constantly use the engine’s full power. Smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic flow can make a surprising difference.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. The 911 Turbo S has performance tires designed for optimal grip, but underinflation increases rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. Regular tire pressure checks are essential for both safety and efficiency.

Avoid excessive idling. The Turbo S engine is designed to operate efficiently when moving. Letting it idle for extended periods wastes fuel. Turn off the engine if you expect to be stopped for more than a minute.

Consider using the car’s drive modes. “Sport” and “Sport Plus” unleash the engine and transmission’s full potential, but “Normal” mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by using more restrained throttle mapping and earlier upshifts. Use this setting when cruising at steady speeds.

Removing any unnecessary weight from the car, like golf clubs or spare parts, can slightly improve fuel economy. The effect might be small, but it still helps.

Owners seeking to compare 911 MPG across all years or researching all Porsche fuel economy data will find a range of models and figures. Those buyers are looking for Porsche, but not the Turbo S’s raw performance.