21 MPG combined might seem like an afterthought when you’re considering a 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S. This isn’t a Prius; it’s a scalpel-sharp performance machine designed to carve apexes and deliver breathtaking acceleration. The fuel consumption is simply a necessary compromise, a tax paid for the privilege of owning one of the quickest cars on the planet.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway for the 2018 911 Turbo S. These numbers reflect driving a high-performance car. The city figure suffers from stop-and-go traffic and bursts of acceleration. The highway figure is perhaps more palatable, suggesting you *can* achieve reasonable efficiency when cruising. Resist the urge to fully unleash the Turbo S’s potential, and you’ll likely find that number dropping swiftly. This car begs to be driven hard; passive driving goes against its nature. The automatic (AM-S7) transmission also contributes, offering smooth shifts and optimized gear ratios aimed at balancing performance and fuel economy. It’s a dance between raw power and relative frugality.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using national average fuel prices. Consider this a baseline. If your commute involves heavy traffic or if you frequently indulge in spirited driving, expect to pay significantly more. This isn’t a car people buy looking to save money at the pump, and the annual fuel cost shows that.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy for the 911 Turbo S will vary considerably depending on driving style and conditions. Some owners who primarily drive in congested urban areas and frequently exploit the car’s power will likely see figures below the EPA’s 19 MPG city estimate. On the other hand, those who take mostly highway trips and drive with restraint *might* approach the 24 MPG highway rating. Let’s be honest: owning a 911 Turbo S is about experiencing its performance, and frequent bursts of acceleration are inevitable. Therefore, planning for fuel costs above the EPA estimate is wise.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the 911 Turbo S falls somewhere in the middle of the performance car sphere, but direct comparisons are difficult because the Turbo S exists in a rarefied space. For example, the Mercedes-AMG GT, another high-performance coupe, delivers around 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway in its most potent “Black Series” trim. The Audi R8 V10 Performance, with its naturally aspirated engine, achieves about 13 MPG city and 20 MPG highway. The 911 Turbo S offers superior performance to both, while achieving better fuel economy. If you’re shopping for the bleeding edge, the McLaren 720S is more focused on track performance than street driving, and its MPG numbers range from just 15 city / 22 highway. Buyers cross-shopping these vehicles aren’t necessarily focused on fuel economy, but understanding where the 911 Turbo S falls within the spectrum is helpful. You can also view 911 MPG across all years to see how different generations compare.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid short trips whenever possible. The 911 Turbo S, like any car, is less efficient when the engine is cold. Combining multiple errands into a single trip allows the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature and improve fuel economy.

Limit extreme acceleration. The 3.8L engine in the Turbo S is incredibly responsive, and the temptation to unleash its full power is strong. Frequent hard acceleration consumes significant fuel. Smooth, progressive acceleration will help to improve your MPG.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which improves fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Many owners overlook this simple step.

Use the Porsche’s driving modes carefully. The 911 Turbo S offers various driving modes, including a “Normal” mode that optimizes fuel economy. While it might be tempting to always drive in “Sport” or “Sport Plus,” reserve those modes for when you truly want to exploit the car’s performance. Using “Normal” mode during everyday driving can make a noticeable difference in fuel consumption.

Consider the benefits of cruise control on the highway. When conditions allow, engage cruise control to maintain a consistent speed. This can help to optimize fuel economy, as it eliminates speed fluctuations that occur when driving manually. If you’re curious about other models, you can view all Porsche fuel economy data.