17 MPG combined. That figure isn’t exactly topping any green car charts, but for the 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, it’s practically irrelevant. This is a machine built for visceral thrills, neck-snapping acceleration, and wind-in-your-hair driving experiences, not hypermiling competitions. The buyer of this 911 isn’t as concerned with fuel economy as they are with scorching 0-60 mph times and carving canyon roads with unmatched precision. They prioritize exhilaration over efficiency, and rightly so.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates provide a breakdown of 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. Understand that these figures are best-case scenarios, achieved under controlled conditions. Urban driving, with its frequent stop-and-go traffic, will undoubtedly yield lower numbers. The Turbo S’s prodigious power and all-wheel-drive system demand a significant amount of fuel to overcome inertia repeatedly.

On the open road, maintaining a steady cruise will yield closer to the 20 MPG mark, but the temptation to exploit the twin-turbocharged engine’s immense power will likely reduce that. The reality is, drivers who frequently exploit the Turbo S’s capabilities will observe fuel economy even lower than these estimates.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2023 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is $3,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Premium fuel is a must for this high-performance engine, and its higher cost is factored into this estimate. Of course, individual driving habits and fluctuations in gasoline prices will affect the actual cost.

For those considering a car in this performance bracket, the difference between this $3,400 and, say, $2,500 is unlikely to be a decisive factor. It’s a cost of doing business in the realm of high-performance motoring. Anyone concerned about fuel costs should consider viewing all Porsche fuel economy data to explore other options.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA stickers. Real-world fuel economy in the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is highly dependent on driving style. A light foot and predominantly highway driving might get you *close* to the EPA estimates. However, if you regularly unleash the car’s full potential, expect to see numbers closer to 12-14 MPG. The car’s engine management system and fuel injection technology do their best to optimize efficiency, but ultimately, the laws of physics dictate that generating over 600 horsepower requires fuel, and a lot of it!

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance convertibles, the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet’s fuel economy lands about where you’d expect. The similarly potent Mercedes-AMG SL 63, for example, achieves an EPA-estimated 16 MPG combined, only one MPG less than the Turbo S. A Jaguar F-Type R Convertible, with its supercharged V8, also scores around 18 MPG combined rating. Even the Acura NSX with its complex hybrid powertrain only achieves 21 MPG combined. These comparisons highlight a universal truth: achieving stratospheric performance levels necessitates a trade-off in fuel efficiency. For the typical 911 Turbo S buyer, the minimal MPG difference between these contenders is secondary to factors like brand prestige, driving dynamics, and overall desirability.

However, for buyers who are cross-shopping 911 models, it’s useful to see 911 MPG across all years to see the broader range of fuel economy figures.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel efficiency might not be the primary concern for Turbo S owners, there are a few strategies that can help squeeze a few extra miles out of each tank. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 911 Turbo S is incredibly responsive, and even gentle throttle inputs deliver impressive performance. Smooth, gradual acceleration minimizes fuel consumption compared to sudden bursts of speed.

Use the car’s driving modes to your advantage. Selecting the “Normal” mode will dial back the engine’s responsiveness and optimize the transmission shift points for fuel efficiency. While it won’t transform the Turbo S into a Prius, it can make a noticeable difference during everyday driving.

Ensure that the tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check the tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the recommended level. This small maintenance task can improve fuel efficiency and also improve tire life.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The 911 Turbo S is already a relatively lightweight sports car, but carrying extra cargo increases fuel consumption. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger compartment to minimize the load on the engine. Even small weight reductions can add up over time.