18 MPG combined is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think “Porsche” and “Turbo S,” but that’s the figure. This isn’t a Prius. No one looking at a 2015 Panamera Turbo S with its hand-built 4.8L V8 is putting fuel efficiency first. This is a four-door missile, a statement of wealth and performance. Fuel economy is likely not the biggest concern for the target buyer: affluent individuals who want ultimate performance and opulent luxury are probably not very sensitive to fluctuating gas prices.

City and highway performance

The EPA ratings for the 2015 Porsche Panamera Turbo S 4.8L aren’t great: 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows the engine’s thirst, especially when the car’s quick acceleration is used often. The highway number is better, suggesting that driving gently on longer trips improves efficiency. In reality, though, the Panamera Turbo S encourages aggressive driving and that will affect fuel consumption.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Porsche Panamera Turbo S will be $3,200. This is figured by driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Consider this a benchmark. Depending on driving habits, the actual annual fuel expenditure could easily be higher, specifically for people who drive mainly in stop-and-go city traffic or drive fast. This annual expense is significant, though it’s a small part of the car’s original MSRP and other running costs.

Real-World Expectations

Don’t expect the same numbers as the EPA. Real-world MPG will almost always be lower than the advertised figures, especially in mixed driving conditions. Expect something closer to 12-14 MPG in the city if you’re using the car’s power, and maybe reach the low 20s on the highway if you drive carefully. The Panamera Turbo S is engineered for performance, which costs money both initially and in fuel costs. Comparing models with PANAMERA MPG across all years can be helpful.

How It Compares

The 2015 Panamera Turbo S is in its own category: high-performance luxury sedans. For comparison, a similar BMW M5 (F10) typically gets around 17 MPG combined with its 4.4L twin-turbo V8, offering similar performance with slightly better fuel economy. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S, another competitor, gets around 18 MPG combined, similar to the Panamera. Even within Porsche, comparing this to a base Panamera with a V6 shows a big difference, with the V6 closer to 22 MPG combined. See all Porsche fuel economy data to explore further. These differences matter, but the Turbo S buyer probably finds the added power, prestige, and exclusivity are worth the MPG trade-off.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The Panamera Turbo S isn’t fuel-efficient, but driving techniques can lower fuel consumption. Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking. Drive smoothly and deliberately to keep from wasting fuel.

The car’s driving modes can help. The “Normal” mode optimizes the engine and transmission for fuel efficiency, although it is less fun. Try not to drive in “Sport” or “Sport Plus” modes all the time, since they focus on performance.

Keep the tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder. Check and maintain the recommended tire pressure for the best fuel economy and handling.

Remove unnecessary weight. Extra cargo adds weight, which lowers fuel efficiency. Remove anything not needed from the trunk or back seat, especially heavy items.

Fix mechanical issues soon. A poorly maintained engine is less efficient. Service your Panamera Turbo S regularly, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections, to keep it running well.