18 MPG combined is what you get with the 2015 Porsche Panamera Turbo. This isn’t a Prius, and nobody shopping for a nearly 520-horsepower luxury super-sedan expects it to be. The Panamera Turbo appeals to a specific buyer: someone who wants fast performance, luxury, and the Porsche badge, and who is prepared to pay for it. Good fuel mileage is appreciated, but performance is more important.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 Panamera Turbo will get 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. These numbers show how a high-performance engine acts in different environments. The city number takes the bigger hit as stop-and-go traffic, quick acceleration, and idling all reduce fuel mileage, but the highway figure shows what the 4.8-liter twin-turbo V8 can do when cruising at a constant speed. Getting that 24 MPG means driving carefully and resisting the temptation to use the engine’s power. Remember these are estimates; how you drive and the traffic can change actual fuel use. View PANAMERA MPG across all years.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $3,200 for the 2015 Porsche Panamera Turbo. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using average fuel prices. It’s a large amount compared to more economical vehicles, and owners should keep this in mind. Changes in gas prices can change this number. Consider this $3,200 a starting point, knowing that your actual costs may be different.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides estimates, but real-world fuel mileage is often different. Hard driving, short trips, and even tire pressure can all hurt efficiency. Expect that 15 MPG city number to be accurate if you drive in cities. The 24 MPG highway figure is possible if you try for it. Many Panamera Turbo owners likely see lower numbers. Single-digit MPG is possible if you often use Sport or Sport Plus modes.

How it compares

The Panamera Turbo has competition. A 2015 BMW M6 Gran Coupe, with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, gets 17 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG gets around the same 18 MPG. Even the Audi RS7 gets just 19 MPG combined. The Panamera Turbo’s fuel mileage is similar to other luxury sedans of its time. The small differences don’t matter to buyers in this segment; performance and prestige are more important. Compare all Porsche fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Panamera’s automatic start/stop system, which shuts off the engine when stopped to save fuel. It helps in the city. Avoid accelerating quickly from a stop, especially in Sport mode. Accelerating gently will reduce fuel use.

Make sure your tires are inflated correctly. Low tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder. Check your tire pressures often and inflate them to the correct levels.

Avoid idling. Running the engine when not moving wastes fuel. If you will be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine.

Use cruise control on the highway. Keeping a constant speed will improve fuel mileage. Avoid quick acceleration and braking, which can reduce MPG.