18 MPG combined is what you can expect from the 2016 Porsche Panamera Turbo S 4.8L 8-cyl, a car that combines executive sedan features with supercar performance. The Turbo S is the highest level of the Panamera range, a four-door car for those who prioritize speed and exclusivity. Fuel economy is a secondary issue, easily handled as part of the cost of ownership. The target buyer is not cross-shopping this with a Prius; they’re upgrading from a slower Panamera, or adding it to a collection that already includes performance vehicles and luxury cars.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Panamera Turbo S at 15 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on standardized testing conditions and may not reflect real-world driving. The city MPG, while low, reflects the engine’s power and the demands of stop-and-go traffic. Short trips and aggressive acceleration will use fuel quickly. However, the 24 MPG highway figure is possible if you drive carefully and maintain a constant speed. The seven-speed automatic transmission (AM-S7) helps by optimizing engine speed for efficiency at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Porsche Panamera Turbo S is $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local gasoline prices, and the number of miles you drive each year. Someone who drives this car on weekends will likely see lower costs. Frequent aggressive drivers can expect that $3,200 figure to be higher.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides an estimate, real-world MPG figures for the Panamera Turbo S are often lower, especially in combined driving. Aggressive driving, city driving, and frequent use of the car’s performance will reduce fuel economy. Expect the combined fuel economy to range between 14 and 19 MPG, depending on driving conditions and habits. Some owners report slightly better highway figures when driving conservatively on long road trips, but achieving 24 MPG consistently requires resisting the urge to use the engine’s power.

How it compares

The 2016 Panamera Turbo S is unique, so fuel economy comparisons are difficult. The Mercedes-AMG S63 sedan, another performance luxury car, achieves a slightly better EPA-estimated 19 MPG combined, 16 MPG city, and 25 MPG highway. However, the Panamera Turbo S offers a different driving experience, trading some fuel efficiency for a more engaging feel. The BMW M6 Gran Coupe posts EPA numbers of 17 city/24 highway, putting it in the same range as the Panamera. A less performance-focused option like the Audi A7, even in its higher-powered trims, will deliver better fuel economy, but at the cost of acceleration and driver involvement. The Panamera Turbo S buyer is often prioritizing performance over efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Panamera Turbo S features an engine management system that adapts to driving conditions. Smooth acceleration and consistent throttle control will help fuel consumption. A gentle foot allows the engine to operate efficiently.

Use the car’s driving modes. The “Normal” mode prioritizes fuel efficiency and offers a relaxed driving experience. While maintaining the car’s performance, it reduces responsiveness to decrease fuel consumption. Save Sport and Sport Plus modes for when you want to use the car’s potential, not for commuting.

Make sure that your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Regular maintenance can have a positive effect on fuel efficiency.

Remove unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the load, requiring more energy to accelerate. Minimizing the weight contributes to fuel economy over time.

Consider learning more about all Porsche fuel economy data, and also the PANAMERA MPG across all years, to find details that might help you plan your trips better.