When Porsche came out with an SUV, many were surprised. The Cayenne is a well liked SUV though. Porsche has become even more brazen by launching a hatchback too; they have since engineered the Panamera for 2010.
The Panamera is a sign of the changes the carmaker is making. They may seem like they are going against the grain and acting irrational. Yet, Porsche continues to maintain its stellar reputation and the Panamera is one of its best sellers to date. Porsche understood that offering a comfortable, practical four seater was a logical move.
The Panamera is all Porsche; once behind the wheel there is little doubt you are driving a high quality Porsche. The Panamera is outfitted with a naturally aspirated or twin turbocharged 4.8 Liter V-8 and it can deliver 500 horsepower too. The Panamera comes with rear wheel drive or all wheel drive and the motor is joined to the PDK seven speed dual clutch automatic gearbox as well. Gorgeous from fit to finish, fast, and convenient, this car comes with a long list of features.
The Range
Bodystyle: Sedan
Engines: 4.8L V-8, 4.8L twin-turbo V-8
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Models: Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera S, Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo
What's New
Everything's new -- this is Porsche's first foray into the four-door-sedan realm. All versions except the Turbo sport the 400-horse naturally aspirated V-8. Base and S models are rear-drive, while the 4S and the Turbo are all-wheel drive. The rear hatchback offers impressive loading versatility. Be prepared to pay, though: Top models wear a sticker in the solid six figures.
Exterior
The weakest link in the Panamera's hardware chain. Rightly or wrongly, Porsche made rear-seat room a priority -- at the expense of sleekness (you'll say "rightly" if you've tried to board an Aston Rapide's rear cabin).
Interior
Simply stunning. Four adults fit comfortably, and the cockpit is beautifully trimmed. Because Porsche hasn't developed a uni-controller (like BMW's iDrive), the dash is bristling with buttons and switches – kind of like having your own Learjet.
Performance & Handling
We tested the naturally aspirated, rear-drive Panamera S, and it rocketed to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, braked from 60 mph in just 108 feet, and circled the skidpad at 0.95 g -- how's that for a four-door luxury sedan? Porsche says the Turbo can hit 60 in just four seconds and reaches a top speed of 186 mph.
Safety
The Panamera offers a complete suite of safety systems, from side air bags front and rear to two rows of curtain air bags and knee bags for both front passengers. A rear parking camera is optional.
EPA Fuel Economy
Panamera: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
Panamera 4: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
Panamera S/4S: 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Panamera Turbo: 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Porsche-worthy performance
- Private-jet cockpit
- Thrilling handling
- Shocking Corvette drivers
You Won't Like
- Lofty sticker
- Pricey options
- Function-over-form exterior
Sum Up
Better than the Rapide, but not as sexy
If You Like This Vehicle
- Aston Martin Rapide
- BMW 7 Series
- Maserati Quattroporte
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class