19 MPG combined. Let’s be clear: anyone buying a 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive with its 3.8L flat-six isn’t primarily focused on fuel efficiency. It’s a fair tradeoff for unrelenting acceleration, surgical handling, and the unmistakable cachet of owning a limited-production Porsche. The fuel consumption is a secondary concern, a necessary compromise for a very specific driving experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2018 911 Turbo S Exclusive at 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect how this car is likely to be driven. Around town, stop-and-go traffic and the temptation to exploit the car’s strong power will inevitably lower fuel economy.

Out on the open road, the 7-speed PDK transmission and aerodynamic efficiency allow for slightly better numbers, if the driver exercises some restraint. But the temptation to tap into the car’s potential is often too great to resist, and that will cost you at the pump.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive at $3,050. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Note that this is just an estimate.

Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and fluctuations in gas prices. For drivers who frequently exploit the Turbo S’s performance, expect to exceed this estimate considerably. For those who treat it more like a grand tourer, the figure may be a bit lower.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a benchmark, the real-world fuel economy of the 2018 911 Turbo S Exclusive will be highly dependent on driving style. Owners who primarily use the car for short, aggressive bursts around town can expect numbers closer to the city rating, or even below.

Conversely, those who use it primarily for long highway cruises might see figures approaching or even slightly exceeding the highway rating. However, the car’s incredible acceleration is always available, and tapping into that potential will decrease fuel efficiency. Achieving the EPA numbers requires a deliberate effort to drive efficiently, something most owners won’t prioritize.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance sports cars, the 911 Turbo S Exclusive’s fuel economy falls within a certain range. The Lamborghini Huracan, for instance, is rated at 13 MPG combined.

The Mercedes-AMG GT R manages 18 MPG combined. Even the standard Porsche 911 Carrera S, while offering significantly less power, achieves a slightly better 21 MPG combined. This illustrates the trade-off between outright performance and fuel efficiency. Buyers considering cars like the Audi R8, also around 17 MPG combined, are making similar choices. The 911 MPG across all years shows how Porsche has gradually improved efficiency while simultaneously boosting performance, but the Turbo S still resides at the high end of the consumption spectrum.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the car’s drive mode selector. Selecting the “Normal” or “Eco” mode will detune the engine slightly and optimize the transmission shift points for fuel efficiency. While it won’t transform the Turbo S into a Prius, it can help to eke out a few extra miles per gallon during less spirited driving. Even a less powerful Turbo S is still exceptionally quick.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Smooth, consistent driving is the key to maximizing fuel economy in any vehicle, and the 911 Turbo S Exclusive is no exception. Minimize unnecessary bursts of speed and anticipate traffic conditions to avoid hard braking, which wastes energy and requires more fuel to regain speed.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which can improve fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. The difference may seem small, but it adds up over time.

Limit idling. Idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s generally more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine. This is especially true with modern engines like the one in the Turbo S, which are designed to restart quickly and efficiently. For all Porsche fuel economy data, consider Porsche’s efforts to innovate in fuel efficiency.