17 MPG combined is the price of the Porsche Panamera GTS experience. This isn’t a grocery getter; the Panamera GTS is a scalpel disguised as a luxury sedan, engineered for backroad carving and autobahn driving. Its efficiency, or lack thereof, is tolerated by owners who prioritize visceral thrills and performance. They’re buying a Porsche, not a Prius, and the GTS badge signifies a specific intent: maximum driving enjoyment.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates peg the Panamera GTS at 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, which constantly interrupts forward momentum and forces the engine to work harder. The highway rating is achievable only with a light foot. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 lurking under the hood has a voracious appetite when pushed, and maintaining a steady and legal speed on long highway stretches presents a serious test of willpower for most GTS owners.

Annual fuel cost

Driving 15,000 miles a year with the 2023 Porsche Panamera GTS, you can expect an annual fuel bill of around $3,400, according to the EPA estimates. This figure assumes a 55/45 split between city and highway driving and uses the national average fuel price for premium gasoline. Premium fuel is mandatory for this engine to deliver its advertised performance and maintain long-term reliability, so plan accordingly.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the Panamera GTS often varies depending on driving style and conditions. Someone regularly exploring the engine’s limits will likely see figures significantly below the EPA estimates, perhaps dipping into the single digits during track days or particularly spirited drives. On the other hand, a driver who consciously moderates their speed and anticipates traffic flow might be able to approach, or even slightly exceed, the highway MPG figure, particularly on long, flat stretches of road.

How it compares

The Panamera GTS isn’t exactly in a class of one, but direct competitors are few. The BMW M5 Competition, for example, offers similar performance but manages a slightly better 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4-Door Coupe posts EPA numbers roughly equivalent at 15 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. These marginal differences rarely sway a Panamera GTS buyer, who is typically drawn to the Porsche’s unique blend of performance, luxury, and styling. The choice often boils down to brand preference and driving dynamics, not simply fuel economy numbers. Always check PANAMERA MPG across all years for a complete perspective.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist the urge to constantly exploit the engine’s power. The Panamera GTS rewards smooth, deliberate inputs. Avoiding sudden acceleration and hard braking will conserve fuel, even if it tempers the driving experience somewhat. Use launch control only when necessary!

Engage the “Normal” or “Comfort” driving modes when not actively seeking performance. These modes remap the throttle response and shift points to prioritize efficiency, making the car more docile and fuel-conscious during daily driving. Sport and Sport Plus are best reserved for spirited runs.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Check the recommended tire pressure (found on the door jamb) regularly and adjust accordingly, especially during temperature changes.

Lighten the load. Carrying unnecessary weight in the car reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any items from the trunk or backseat that aren’t essential to your daily commute or planned journey. The Panamera GTS is designed to be a performance machine, and every pound counts.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoid heavily congested areas and routes with frequent stops. Opt for longer routes with consistent speeds and minimal traffic lights if possible. You will still want to explore all Porsche fuel economy data, too.