17 MPG combined. Let’s be blunt: if that number makes you clutch your pearls, the 2021 Porsche Panamera GTS is not for you. This isn’t a car engineered for hypermiling; it’s a four-door missile designed to shrink continents while delivering a visceral driving experience. The Panamera GTS exists for a very specific clientele: those who demand both blistering performance and a measure of practicality, and who understand that a high-strung, naturally aspirated V8 extracts a price at the pump. These owners prioritize the symphony emanating from the quad exhaust tips over the daily fuel bill; they savor the instant throttle response and the way the car hunkers down in corners far more than they worry about the next fill-up. They’re not buying transportation; they’re buying an experience, and the Panamera GTS delivers that in spades.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Panamera GTS at 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. While these numbers aren’t exactly stellar, they reflect the engine’s character and the vehicle’s weight. That 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, developing a healthy 473 horsepower, requires a significant amount of fuel to generate its prodigious output, especially in stop-and-go city driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission (AM-S8) does its best to optimize fuel consumption, but the Panamera GTS is happiest stretching its legs on the open road where the highway figure demonstrates its potential for relative efficiency. But let’s be honest, the main reason to pick the GTS over a more fuel-efficient Panamera variant is that big V8, and those who do are unlikely to hypermile to the best possible fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2021 Porsche Panamera GTS is $3,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using a combination of city and highway driving, and assuming the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. Of course, actual fuel costs will vary depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the ratio of city to highway miles driven. However, $3,400 represents a useful benchmark for potential owners to understand the ongoing expense of owning and operating this performance-oriented vehicle. Given that the GTS demands premium fuel, be prepared for that cost to potentially rise even higher based on where you live and drive. Get PANAMERA MPG across all years.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the Panamera GTS can vary noticeably. Aggressive driving, frequent acceleration, and extended idling will all negatively impact fuel consumption. Conversely, a more relaxed driving style, combined with strategic use of cruise control on the highway, can yield slightly better results. Expecting to consistently exceed the EPA estimates is unrealistic. The sheer fun of unleashing the V8’s power often overrides any desire for fuel conservation. Owners who are very concerned with fuel mileage are better suited to the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, but those who want the unadulterated experience of a high-performance V8 are okay with seeing less-than-great fuel economy.

How it compares

In the rarefied air of high-performance luxury sedans, the Panamera GTS’s fuel economy sits somewhere in the middle of the pack. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S, with its similar twin-turbo V8, achieves a comparable 15 MPG combined. The BMW M8 Gran Coupe, another potent competitor, manages a slightly better 17 MPG combined. Even all Porsche fuel economy data doesn’t offer dramatic options. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, while boasting significantly more horsepower, achieves a much better fuel economy rating thanks to its plug-in hybrid technology. However, those cars offer a different less raw experience. For drivers who prioritize electric driving above all else, hybrid options beat the GTS. But for drivers who prioritize the sound, feel, and performance of a V8, the GTS presents an appealing choice.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the Panamera GTS isn’t designed for maximum fuel efficiency, there are a few strategies to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid aggressive acceleration and heavy braking, as these actions put a significant strain on the engine, especially in city driving. Smooth, gradual inputs will help conserve fuel and extend the range of each tank. Similarly, reducing idling in traffic or at lights can help to boost fuel economy and improve the environment.

Optimal tire pressure plays an important role in fuel efficiency. Ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more resistance and reduce fuel economy. Also, the GTS tends to have wider tires, impacting fuel economy and treadwear.

The Panamera GTS comes equipped with various driving modes. Engage the “Normal” mode for everyday driving, as this mode prioritizes fuel efficiency. Using sport or sport plus, while fun and engaging, results in lower fuel economy figures. On the highway, use cruise control when appropriate to maintain a consistent speed and reduce unnecessary acceleration and braking.

Consider reducing the vehicle’s overall weight by removing unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger compartment. Every extra pound adds to the engine’s load, ultimately impacting fuel consumption. Even small weight reductions can make a noticeable difference over time.