23 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling contests, but it’s acceptable for the 2017 Porsche Panamera 4S. It’s a luxurious, high-performance sedan capable of embarrassing many sports cars on a twisty road, while coddling its occupants in a leather-lined cocoon. Fuel economy is a consideration, of course, but it’s not the main reason people are drawn to this model.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Panamera 4S at 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The difference highlights the Panamera’s adaptability. In urban environments, its weight and stop-and-go traffic affect efficiency. However, on the open road, the turbocharged 2.9L V6 can settle into a more efficient rhythm. The eight-speed automatic transmission (identified by Porsche as AM-S8) plays a crucial role, offering smooth and responsive shifts while keeping the engine in its optimal power band. The all-wheel-drive system enhances grip and stability, but contributes to a slight fuel economy penalty compared to rear-wheel-drive counterparts. See PANAMERA MPG across all years to see how consumption changes across drivetrain options.

Annual fuel cost

Based on EPA estimates, the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Porsche Panamera 4S is $2,500. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, with a blend of city and highway conditions, and uses the national average fuel price at the time of the estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium is recommended), and gasoline prices in your region. Stop-and-go traffic with consistent hard acceleration will easily push that figure higher, whereas careful highway cruising could bring it down.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a benchmark, real-world fuel economy can vary. Panamera 4S owners are likely to appreciate the car’s performance, which sometimes leads to a heavier foot on the accelerator. Short trips in cold weather can significantly reduce fuel efficiency as the engine needs time to reach its optimal operating temperature. Don’t be surprised if you see numbers a bit lower than the EPA estimates, especially if you spend a significant portion of your time in the city or frequently engage the car’s Sport modes. However, with sensible driving, achieving or even slightly exceeding the highway MPG figure is possible.

How it compares

In the world of high-performance luxury sedans, fuel economy is rarely the top priority, but it is a factor. The BMW 540i xDrive achieves a combined EPA rating of 23 MPG, making it a close competitor to the Panamera 4S. The Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG offers even more power, but typically returns around 20 MPG combined. An Audi S6 performs similarly, hovering around 21 MPG combined. These comparisons show that the Panamera 4S offers respectable fuel economy within its class, especially when balanced against its performance and luxury. Drivers prioritizing less gas at a similar price point might also consider higher trims of luxury hybrids, but will sacrifice the performance and handling that define the Panamera. You can find all Porsche fuel economy data to see how the Panamera 4S compares against the brand’s other offerings.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given the Panamera 4S’s turbocharged engine, avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Smooth, consistent throttle inputs will significantly improve fuel consumption, particularly in city driving. Anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a steady speed minimizes the need for sudden bursts of power, conserving fuel and reducing wear and tear.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure (usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb). Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Minimize idling. Modern engines are designed to be efficient, and idling for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s generally more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to go.

Use cruise control on the highway whenever conditions allow. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, eliminating the fluctuations in throttle input that can contribute to poor fuel economy. While adaptive cruise control (if equipped) is convenient, be mindful that it can sometimes be less efficient than manual cruise control, as it may brake and accelerate more frequently.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained engine is an efficient engine. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections ensure that your Panamera 4S is running at its peak performance and delivering the best possible fuel economy. Ignoring maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency and potentially damage to the engine.