Overview & Reviews

The Porsche Panamera may slot between midsize and full-size luxury sedans in terms of overall dimensions, but it's hardly a middle-of-the-road product. As Porsche's first four-door car, it's controversial, since anything other than a sports car tends to put Porsche purists' undies in a twist. It's also polarizing, thanks to bold styling that includes a rather bulbous behind. Furthermore, it's unabashedly ambitious, having been pitted from the get-go against the best sedans in the world. Even its body style is a matter of some contention. Though it's technically classified as a sedan, the Panamera has a hatchback trunk that makes it more versatile than most rivals.

At the end of the day, though, it's hard to call the Panamera anything but a home run. Porsche swung for the fences with this one, and by just about every objective measure, it hit the sweet spot. The introduction of the long-wheelbase Executive model was the final piece of the puzzle, as Porsche is now fully competitive in this exclusive segment. New or used, the Panamera is a special luxury car that strikes a possibly unequaled balance between practicality and driving thrills.

Current Porsche Panamera
The current Panamera is offered in a number of different guises. The mainstream model lineup includes the rear-wheel-drive Panamera, S and GTS and the all-wheel-drive Panamera 4, 4S, Turbo and Turbo S. The Panamera and Panamera 4 are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 310 horsepower, while the S and 4S get a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that pumps out 420 hp. The GTS features a 4.8-liter V8 rated at 440 hp, and the Turbo ups the ante with a turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 cranking out 520 hp. Of course, the 570-hp Turbo S wins the race. All of these models utilize Porsche's seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual, known as PDK.

On the greener side, the plug-in Panamera S E-Hybrid features a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and an electric motor that team up to produce 416 hp and 435 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed traditional automatic transmission is employed. Despite its ample output, the S E-Hybrid returns better fuel economy than the base Panamera in hybrid mode, and it can travel an estimated 20 miles on electric power alone.

As you'd expect, all Panameras come well equipped. Even the base V6 model includes auto-leveling bi-xenon headlights, LED headlight and taillight accents, a sunroof, a power liftgate, a 7-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and iPod/USB connectivity. As you step up to fancier models, the wheels generally get bigger and the features more extravagant. Then there's the matter of Porsche's infamous options list, which invites you to drop tens of thousands more on more stuff you don't really need. On the bright side, buyers willing to wait for their car to be built are able to specify exactly what they want, a rare and welcome privilege in today's market.

From the driver's perspective, the Panamera borrows the 911's classic five-gauge instrument panel, but it was the Panamera that introduced the elevated, button-rich center console now shared by the 911 and other Porsches. While those buttons can take some getting used to, the touchscreen above them is both intuitive and graphically rich. The front seats look and feel sporty, yet can adjust to accommodate just about any physique. The unusual twin rear seats resemble those in front and provide first-class comfort; spring for the long-wheelbase Executive (limited model availability) with its extra 5.9 inches of wheelbase length and the legroom gets downright limolike. Thanks to its handy hatchback and fold-flat rear seatbacks, the Panamera can haul up to 44.6 cubic feet of stuff.

On the road, the Panamera's broad range of talents make for an astonishing driving experience. Despite the fact that this beast is wider than a 7 Series, its handling is phenomenal, inspiring nearly as much confidence as one of Porsche's sports cars. Acceleration is thrilling with any engine but the base V6, and the Turbo and Turbo S models are supercar fast. Even the S E-Hybrid is a cool option with its all-electric capability and strong blend of excitement and efficiency. You can't go wrong in this segment, but if you choose the Panamera, you'll be especially right.

Used Porsche Panamera Models
The Porsche Panamera debuted for 2010, but only the short-wheelbase S, 4S and Turbo models were offered. The S and 4S featured a 4.8-liter V8 rated at 400 hp, while the Turbo's 4.8-liter V8 made 500 hp. The V6-powered base Panamera and Panamera 4 arrived a year later with a bit less power than at present (300 hp), as did an optional Turbo Kit that could bump the Turbo up to 540 hp. For 2012, the Turbo S made its first appearance, replacing the Turbo Kit with its standard 550-hp muscle. An S Hybrid model also debuted with a supercharged V6 and an electric motor that teamed up for 380 hp; however, it wasn't a plug-in hybrid like the current S E-Hybrid. The sporty GTS bowed for 2013 with a 430-hp version of the 4.8-liter V8 and other unique performance modifications.

Major changes were in store for 2014. Heading the list was the introduction of the long-wheelbase Executive (4S and Turbo only) and the replacement of the S and 4S models' V8 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 making 20 extra hp. Meanwhile, the GTS kept its V8 and got 10 additional horses to maintain separation. The S E-Hybrid brought its plug-in design and 416-hp power system to the party, replacing the less sophisticated S Hybrid. Although the Turbo S took the year off, the regular Turbo leveled up to 520 hp, and the base V6 received a 10-hp injection of its own. For 2015, the Turbo S returned with 570 hp, and the Turbo S Executive was introduced.

User Reviews:

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  Redesigned Panamera 4 is a, “HomeRun”!!!! - 2018 Porsche Panamera
  By D.B. - June 3 - 8:25 pm

  I owned a 2011 Panamera 4 and the vehicle turned heads, sometime for the right reasons, or for all the wrong reasons. Either you loved the design or hated the shape/lines of old Panamera. The engineer got it right this time around....the car is gorgeous. Everywhere I go, I’m approached regarding the new design and people love it. The interior of the new Panamera is just as exciting as the exterior. The interior is very comfortable, well appointed, and hi-tech. Multiple buttons on both sides of console are gone. Very well designed interior and user friendly. I love everything about this vehicle, and wouldn’t change a thing. Job Well Done Porsche engineers!!!

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  Great car! - 2012 Porsche Panamera
  By David Tosi - May 16 - 8:18 am

  Look for the certified pre owned cars.

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  Fun Fast and Beautiful - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Dennis Hampt - May 13 - 12:53 pm

  The early reviews that ridiculed the Panamera external styling were way off base. Granted, there are some color combinations that would be less than flattering but that doesnt condemn the whole line. Ive had at least twenty strangers approach me to compliment the looks of the car (dark blue ext. natural tones interior). More importantly, the performance is mind boggling. Comfort features are extremely refined. Multiple driving modes change the cars performance personality at the touch of a button. All and all close to perfect.

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  Among the best! If you dont like the design - see it in person! - 2012 Porsche Panamera
  By nyfo - May 8 - 7:25 pm

  Got my brand new Panamera a week ago for my birthday! Traded in 2011 Z4 Sdrive3.5i. Have to say that: Panamera handles and takes turns WAY better that a roadster that was intended to do that better by definition. The car is very adequately powered, feels incredibly light for its size and the interior is a killer! You get the feeling of getting into a jet cabin the second you step into it and that feeling never leaves you through the whole ride! Its not too soft (especially on 20" turbo wheels), yet road bumps do not bother you whatsoever. Very luxurious and unique. Test drive it and you will stop looking...

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  No complaints - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By WIndsailor - May 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my fifth Porsche and unless they can top the Panamera, its the best. It has a Jekyll and Hyde personality thats available on demand. It cossets the passengers when treated casually and exposes its heritage when demanded. A design job well done.

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  Life is too short not to drive an awesome car - 2011 Porsche Panamera
  By robk911 - April 13 - 7:42 pm

  Ive owned this car for a week now and it has surpassed my expectations. I was a bit torn on the design but everyday I grow more fond of the looks. I tell you, it looks fantastic in your garage. Handling is amazing, power is abundant and the interior is as classy as it gets. My wife has had several people come up to her and compliment the car. The Porsche dealer was great and the whole Porsche experience has been worth waiting for for my 40 years.

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  Four door 911 turbo - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By jbald - November 3 - 11:36 am

  Porsche has built a four door luxury fitted sedan with the handling and acceleration feel of a 911 turbo. By what miracle is this accomplished. If you want to relax and enjoy the superb sound system on the highway, so be it. If you prefer to leap off the line and humble most sports cars and then out run them in a sweeper then do that too

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  Mixed review...want to love it - 2011 Porsche Panamera
  By breynolds1957 - August 13 - 2:07 pm

  First Porsche. Overall this car is an exciting car to drive. The interior is reminicent of a jet cockpit. There are many "hard buttons" to access features which may seem daunting at first. However, everything is logically placed and easily learned, and makes feature selection much easier than drilling down through computer menus. I have a mixed review on performance. Once the car is rolling, it is superb. However, there is a big catch in my opinion. When pulling away from a standing stop there is a sort of stall/lunge sequence that almost throws you forward then back in the seat. My dealer tells me this is a known issue and likely not resolvable. If so, this is a deal killer.

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  New Panamera Owner - Terrific Car - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Florida Owner - August 10 - 4:46 pm

  The car is terrific. I got a 4s (yachting blue) after a long wait. The styling is controversial but the car is stunning - stunning - in the metal. Have had multiple people stop to ask about it - see for yourself. Interior is fantastic and the car drives unbelievably. I have had a 911 6-speed and I like cars but I found it was too small, especially for a family as well as feeling unsafe around ubiquitous giant suvs. It really feels like youre driving a Porsche in a way that a Cayenne never would. As well, the hatchback is super convenient. In a purists world Porsche would only make 911s but in the real world of being a father/family man who also wants a great car, this is beyond compare!

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  One World Class Drive - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Vanquish S - July 6 - 11:10 am

  Having lots of cars over the year, I appretiate the Panamera Turbo. It has the power of my Turbo Carerra and Aston, and the smoothness and comfort of my BMW 7series. My wife love it- not intimidating, but a sleeper that the whole family can fit in with equal room front and back and lots for shopping bags. She feels that it handles like her Boxster, but a much larger car is it. I still love the sound of my vanquish s, but the Panamera Turbo gets all the looks too. They just know what it is. Truly, a world class drive. Would never think of a Ferrari 612- why?