21 MPG combined might surprise you in a subcompact car, but for high-performance luxury sedans like the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo, it’s a trade-off. Buyers prioritize strong acceleration, exceptional handling, and a luxurious interior. The Panamera Turbo delivers these qualities, making fuel consumption a manageable expense.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Panamera Turbo are 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. This difference reflects the car’s nature and driving conditions. Stop-and-go city driving reduces fuel economy due to the engine’s power. The strong 4.0-liter, eight-cylinder engine gives instant power, tempting drivers at every stop light, increasing gas consumption. On the highway, the Panamera Turbo cruises more easily, allowing its advanced engine management system, including cylinder deactivation, to improve fuel consumption. However, aggressive use of the accelerator will still decrease fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo’s annual fuel cost at $2,750. This is based on 15,000 miles per year, with 55% city and 45% highway driving, using national average fuel prices. This cost is significant, but probably not a concern for most owners, who value performance and luxury over saving money on less gas. This number could increase for those who drive more miles or mostly in the city. Shorter commutes or more highway driving might result in a slightly lower annual fuel bill.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers provide a starting point, but actual fuel economy can change based on driving style, traffic, and tire inflation. Drivers who accelerate quickly will likely see lower numbers, especially in cities. The Panamera Turbo’s power and throttle response invite fast driving, hurting fuel consumption. However, drivers who use a more relaxed style, using the car’s driving modes and cruise control, may get closer to the EPA estimates, especially on long trips. These figures assume ideal conditions. How you drive matters too.

How it compares

The 2018 Panamera Turbo’s fuel economy places it among similar high-performance luxury vehicles where power is prioritized. For example, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Sedan, a competitor, achieves around 21 MPG combined, showcasing a similar mix of performance and efficiency. The BMW M5 gets slightly better fuel economy, around 20 MPG city and 26 MPG highway, but buyers should check the all Porsche fuel economy data. These differences don’t usually decide a purchase, the driving experience is more important. Buyers in this segment care more about handling, interior quality, and brand image than small MPG differences. Look at PANAMERA MPG across all years to inform your choice.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Select the correct driving mode. Using “Normal” or “Eco” mode optimizes the engine and transmission for better MPG. These modes reduce responsiveness slightly, but can noticeably improve MPG, especially for daily driving. Try different modes to find the best balance of performance and efficiency for your needs.

Maintain correct tire pressure. Properly inflated tires lower rolling resistance, improving MPG. Check tire pressure weekly, and inflate them to the recommended level found on the door. Low tire pressure can hurt MPG and tire life.

Anticipate traffic and avoid fast acceleration and hard braking. Aggressive driving consumes more fuel. Smooth acceleration and gentle braking improve fuel economy and create a more comfortable driving experience. The Panamera Turbo’s driver-assistance systems, like adaptive cruise control, help maintain consistent speed and distance, enhancing highway fuel efficiency.

Reduce weight. Extra weight increases fuel consumption as the engine works harder to move the car. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and rear seats. The lighter the car, the more efficiently it operates.