Spending over $190,000 on a 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid Sport Turismo isn’t about getting 21 MPG combined. It’s the price to pay for owning a 680-horsepower electrified car that can carry passengers and cargo while outperforming sports cars. This isn’t about showing off hybrid credentials; it’s about raw power.

City and highway performance

Breaking down the Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid ST’s fuel economy, the EPA estimates 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures are almost comical considering the car’s capabilities. The city MPG is often of more interest to Panamera buyers. They aren’t racking up endless highway miles. They are more likely navigating affluent suburbs, visiting weekend destinations, and occasionally pushing the car on a twisty backroad. They understand that stop-and-go traffic and using the car’s power will lead to lower real-world numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,750 for the 2018 Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid ST. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. The Panamera requires premium gasoline, and its owners are likely to accelerate quickly, so expect a slightly higher personal fuel bill than the EPA’s estimate. Keep this in mind as you browse PANAMERA MPG across all years.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy varies greatly with driving style and usage. The plug-in hybrid system offers a small (around 14 miles) all-electric range. If the owner regularly charges the battery and mostly drives short distances, they could see significantly better fuel economy than the EPA estimates, at least for those short trips. However, the temptation to the car’s 680 horsepower is strong. The desire to exploit the electric motor’s instant torque and the twin-turbo V8’s strong power often overrides any interest in maximum efficiency. Once the battery is empty, the Panamera operates as a very powerful, and thirsty, gas-powered car.

How it compares

For context, other high-performance luxury vehicles offer similarly underwhelming mileage. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon, with its 603-horsepower twin-turbo V8, gets a combined 19 MPG. The BMW M5, with 600 horsepower from its own twin-turbo V8, achieves a combined 17 MPG according to EPA estimates. The standard (non-hybrid) Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, with 550 horsepower, is rated at 21 MPG combined, the same as the hybrid version. The small difference highlights the electric system’s potential benefit in specific conditions, although the advantage disappears when the battery is drained. Panamera buyers should be aware that they’re not drastically worse off than other vehicles delivering similar levels of performance and luxury. Compare all Porsche vehicles with all Porsche fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the electric range: Fully charge the battery whenever possible and use the electric mode for short trips and low-speed driving. This minimizes gasoline consumption and maximizes overall efficiency.

Drive smoothly: Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, since these actions deplete the battery quickly and increase fuel consumption once the gasoline engine engages. Gentle inputs are key to maximizing the electric range and preserving fuel.

Use the hybrid modes: Experiment with the different hybrid modes (e.g., Hybrid Auto, E-Hold, E-Charge) to optimize the system for various driving conditions. For example, use E-Hold to conserve battery power for later use in city traffic, or use E-Charge (less frequently recommended) on the highway to replenish the battery, although this also reduces MPG while active.

Consider tire pressure: Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which decreases fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended level.

Minimize excess weight: Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle, as extra weight increases fuel consumption. This can be as simple as removing golf clubs after a round, or emptying out items that you don’t need when not traveling.