20 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but consider what the 2015 Porsche 911 Turbo S is: a relentlessly fast, all-wheel-drive supercar disguised as a slightly widened 911. Its owners aren’t prioritizing fuel efficiency; they’re prioritizing corner exits at warp speed and the instantaneous thrill of nearly 600 horsepower. Fuel costs are simply a price of admission to an exclusive club , one that offers unparalleled performance and a driving experience unmatched by nearly anything else on the road.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 911 Turbo S put city driving at 17 MPG and highway driving at 24 MPG. The city number reflects the reality of stop-and-go traffic where the engine is constantly pulling the car’s weight from a standstill. The highway figure is more palatable, but even then, it assumes relatively gentle cruising. Unleash even a fraction of the car’s potential, and that 24 MPG figure will plummet. But let’s be honest, if you own a 911 Turbo S, you are likely relishing the car’s strong performance, not merely “cruising.”

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2015 Porsche 911 Turbo S is $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a roughly even split between city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price for premium unleaded gasoline. Bear in mind, this is just an estimate. Aggressive driving habits and fluctuating fuel prices can significantly impact the actual cost. Owners who frequently track their cars or participate in spirited weekend drives should anticipate spending considerably more at the pump.

Real-world expectations

While manufacturer and EPA tests are useful for baseline comparisons, the Porsche 911 Turbo S rewards, and almost begs for, an aggressive driving style. Expect your real-world fuel economy to be lower than the EPA estimates, particularly if you live in an urban environment with heavy traffic. Owners reporting their own figures on various online forums typically see averages closer to the mid-teens in mixed driving, with the occasional highway-only trip barely nudging into the low 20s. The thrill of unleashing the Turbo S’s power far outweighs most owners’ concerns about fuel costs.

How it compares

For context, consider some of the 911 Turbo S’s competitors. The 2015 Audi R8 V10 Plus, for example, returns a dismal 16 MPG combined, making the Porsche seem relatively efficient. The Mercedes-AMG GT S from the same year manages a slightly better 18 MPG combined. Even the BMW i8, a plug-in hybrid with a focus on efficiency, achieves only 28 MPG combined when running purely on gasoline. While the i8 excels in EV mode for short trips around town, the 911 Turbo S delivers an entirely different scope of performance that renders the BMW incomparable to the everyday driver. Some view the Turbo S as a better value and ultimately choose it for its unparalleled performance capabilities.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While outright fuel efficiency isn’t the primary concern for 911 Turbo S owners, there are still steps you can take to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid hard acceleration and abrupt braking whenever possible. Smooth, progressive inputs will help keep the turbos from spooling up unnecessarily, saving fuel in the process.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which decreases fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during seasonal temperature changes.

Reduce unnecessary weight in your car. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s load, requiring the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Remove any items you don’t need to carry on a regular basis.

Consider using the car’s “Normal” or “Efficiency” driving mode for everyday commuting. While these modes might dampen the throttle response slightly, they prioritize fuel efficiency by optimizing the engine and transmission settings. Save the sportier modes for those weekends when you want to experience the car’s full potential.

Keep up with regular maintenance. A properly tuned engine will always be more fuel-efficient than one that is neglected. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual, paying close attention to oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance.

Interested in comparing this to other Porsche models? See all Porsche fuel economy data. Or perhaps you’re curious how this compares to other model years? Then check out the complete history of 911 MPG across all years.