17 MPG combined won’t win the 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S any awards for lower fuel costs. This car is unapologetically built for speed, luxury, and driver engagement, virtues rarely aligned with exceptional fuel efficiency. The buyer considering this Panamera isn’t prioritizing gas mileage; they’re prioritizing blistering acceleration, precise handling, and the prestige associated with the Porsche crest, and the fuel bill is simply the cost of admission.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Panamera Turbo S at 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the powerful 4.0L twin-turbo V8 is constantly fighting against its own immense power output. The highway number, while still not stellar, demonstrates some efficiency gains at consistent speeds. However, a heavy foot will quickly negate any potential fuel savings, as the engine eagerly responds to throttle inputs.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, you can expect to spend approximately $3,400 per year fueling your 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a specific percentage split between city and highway driving, and assumes a national average fuel price. Keep in mind that premium fuel is required, and fluctuations in gas prices can significantly impact this annual estimate. Aggressive driving habits will also push this number higher, so drivers should be prepared to exceed this amount if they regularly tap into the Turbo S’s performance capabilities.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a useful baseline, remember that real-world fuel economy depends heavily on driving style and conditions. Expect the 15 MPG city estimate to be accurate, if not slightly optimistic, in congested areas. Highway mileage can potentially reach or even slightly exceed 21 MPG with careful throttle management and consistent cruising speeds. However, engaging Sport or Sport Plus modes, or frequently exploiting the engine’s massive power, will quickly diminish fuel efficiency. See PANAMERA MPG across all years to see how other models stack up against the Turbo S.

How it compares

The 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S occupies a certain range of fuel economy when compared to its direct competitors. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe, another high-performance sedan, achieves a similar 17 MPG combined. A BMW M8 Gran Coupe gets around 17 MPG combined, so these vehicles are all roughly in the same ballpark. However, stepping down to a less powerful variant within the Panamera range, such as the Panamera 4S, can yield a noticeable improvement in fuel economy, but that comes with a tradeoff in performance. These fractional improvements will mean a lot to some consumers that simply need the Panamera body style, but are willing to sacrifice performance for a bit of fuel economy savings. For those people, it’s worth viewing all Porsche fuel economy data. The Turbo S buyer accepts the fuel consumption as part of the price for unparalleled performance and exclusivity.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Panamera Turbo S is capable of surprisingly decent highway mileage if driven conservatively. Use cruise control whenever possible on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and minimize unnecessary acceleration. This will significantly reduce fuel consumption compared to constantly varying your speed.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The Panamera Turbo S has tremendous power, but using it sparingly will improve fuel efficiency. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will minimize the need for sudden braking, conserving fuel.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to lower fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and maintain them at the recommended levels, which can be found on the door jamb.

While tempting, resist the urge to drive in Sport or Sport Plus modes unless you truly need the extra performance. These modes alter the engine and transmission mapping for maximum responsiveness, but also increase fuel consumption. Normal mode offers a good balance of performance and efficiency for everyday driving.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo adds weight, which requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove any items you don’t need to improve fuel efficiency.