23 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but it’s what you get for piloting Porsche’s Panamera 4 Sport Turismo. It’s not an earnest attempt at green transportation. It’s a performance wagon that offers room for the family and Costco runs. The buyer considering this vehicle understands that exhilarating performance and practicality come at a cost, a cost that includes occasionally wincing at the gas pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo with its 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine will achieve 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures are respectable, considering the car’s weight and the power it delivers. The 330 horsepower is readily available, encouraging a driving style not exactly conducive to maximizing fuel economy. Expect closer to the EPA’s city number if your daily commute involves a lot of stop-and-go traffic. The highway figure, while achievable, will drop quickly if you frequently tap into the car’s power for overtaking or spirited driving. The temptation is always there because this is a Porsche.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,500 for the 2018 Panamera 4 Sport Turismo. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind this is an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (premium is recommended), and local fuel prices. If you consistently drive aggressively or spend most of your time in city traffic, expect to exceed this figure. Check PANAMERA MPG across all years to get an idea of how the fuel efficiency has changed throughout this model’s history.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy can vary quite a bit. Drivers who prioritize performance and frequently use the Panamera’s impressive acceleration will likely see numbers below the EPA estimates. On the other hand, those who drive more conservatively and spend a lot of time on the highway may achieve figures closer to or even slightly above the EPA’s 26 MPG highway rating. Owner forums and fuel tracking apps are good resources for gathering real-world data from other Panamera 4 Sport Turismo drivers.

How it compares

The Porsche Panamera 4 Sport Turismo is in a unique market position, somewhere between sports car and wagon. Comparing it directly to other vehicles is hard, but here’s how it stacks up against some potential alternatives: The Audi RS6 Avant, another performance wagon, gets about 15 MPG combined, showing the Panamera’s relative efficiency. A BMW M5 sedan, a direct competitor in terms of performance, achieves around 17 MPG combined. A Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon also comes in around 16 MPG combined. Each of these offers staggering performance, but require frequent trips to the fuel pump. Even within the Panamera family, you can find variations like the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, which, when using its electric motor, can significantly improve fuel economy, albeit with a different driving experience. Check all Porsche fuel economy data to explore additional models.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the car’s driving modes. The Panamera offers various modes, including a fuel-efficient mode that optimizes the engine and transmission settings for economy. Selecting this mode can help reduce fuel consumption, especially during less spirited driving.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it matches the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically found on a sticker in the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid excessive idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods consumes fuel unnecessarily. If you anticipate stopping for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The Panamera’s automatic start/stop system can also help reduce idling fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration. Rapid acceleration and hard braking consume more fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and drive with a steady foot to minimize fuel waste. The Panamera’s inherent performance can tempt you to drive aggressively, but resisting that urge will help you save gas.