17 MPG combined may not excite those looking for less gas, but on a 640-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Porsche 911 Turbo S, it’s almost beside the point. This car prioritizes extreme performance, precision engineering, and the thrill of piloting a machine that bends the rules of physics. Fuel efficiency matters little compared to the rush of burying the accelerator and feeling the twin-turbocharged flat-six engine.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. These numbers should be viewed as maximums under ideal conditions. In the real world, especially with the driving habits associated with 911 Turbo S ownership, expect lower figures. The city number will suffer as the engine works harder in stop-and-go traffic. The highway number might hold up better on long cruises, but exploiting the available power is hard to resist, impacting fuel consumption. Let’s be honest, are you really buying this to cruise around at 55mph?

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S will cost about $3,400 per year in fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, with a mix of city and highway driving, using average national premium gasoline prices. It’s a significant sum, and potential buyers need to consider it in the overall cost of ownership. The type of driver that purchases this vehicle may drive it differently, and therefore affect this average.

Real-world expectations

The on-paper figures and reality can differ significantly. Driving aggressively will push fuel consumption far below the EPA estimates. Track days, spirited weekend drives on winding roads, and short trips where the engine never fully warms up will all lower fuel economy. Owners who treat their 911 Turbo S as a daily commuter in congested cities may visit the gas station more frequently than they expected. Consider the EPA numbers a ceiling, achievable only under very specific driving conditions. The 911 MPG across all years can vary greatly, reflecting different engine technologies and driving habits.

How it compares

The 911 Turbo S is in a space where fuel economy comparisons are somewhat irrelevant. Still, context matters. For example, a BMW M8 Competition Coupe boasts similar performance and luxury, but gets a slightly better 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe, another performance vehicle, gets around 15 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. Even the Lamborghini Huracan Evo with 13 MPG city and 18 MPG highway shows the fuel demand for such models. These differences are due to engine design, drivetrain efficiency, and weight. The 911 Turbo S buyer acknowledges this trade-off; performance is more important than fuel economy. For all Porsche fuel economy data, the 911 Turbo S is near the bottom, as expected.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth acceleration is critical. The twin-turbo flat-six delivers strong torque across the rev range, making it easy to accelerate quickly without flooring it. Gradual acceleration will save fuel and minimize turbocharger action. Avoid stomping on the gas pedal unless necessary.

Use the available driving modes intelligently. The 911 Turbo S features selectable driving modes that adjust throttle response, shift mapping, and other parameters. Choosing “Normal” or “Eco” mode – if equipped in this specific model year and configuration – will tame the engine response and encourage earlier upshifts, improving fuel efficiency.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, which can be found on the doorjamb or in the owner’s manual.

Avoid excessive idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods, such as when waiting in a parking lot or drive-thru, wastes fuel. If you will be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engine technology allows for quick and reliable restarts without causing undue wear.

Plan your routes efficiently. Combining errands into a single trip, rather than making multiple short trips, can reduce overall fuel consumption. Also, avoid driving during peak traffic hours, when stop-and-go conditions significantly decrease fuel economy.