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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  This car is excellent! - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By SpikeZ - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car, period. The sheer volume of technology in this vehicle is astounding, its performance is superb and its styling is elegant and timeless. This is my ninth Porsche and, by far, the best I have owned over the past two decades. I was initially a little skeptical about buying a four seat Porsche despite my longstanding experience that anything Porsche either designs or builds is usually excellent. And, but for a five minute test drive two weeks before my car came in last November, I had not spent a lot of time in the vehicle. However, when I took delivery of the car I was immediately impressed by its pick-up and handling. Fast and beautiful, Porsche does it again.

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  Porsche Panamera Turbo - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Deon - June 15 - 7:03 am

  What a fantastic and practical car. I have now done 5000 miles in it and have experienced no problems. I do not know how it is possible to get this fantastic performance out of the same engine that also gives me 29 miles per gallon on the open road at 80 mph. The car is very practical as well and serves my requirements for a sports car, family car as well as station wagon.

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  Fantastic and Sublime - 2013 Porsche Panamera
  By wrk - June 8 - 10:15 am

  This is one great car. Basically, a four door sport car with strong acceleration and precise handling. The four wheel drive really pulls the car through curves. The double clutch transmission makes almost instantaneous shifts when using the paddles. The cabin is strikingly attractive and very comfortable. I found the touch screen communication system very easy to learn and the Bose sound system is awesome. This car elicits attention no doubt. Ive had multiple people take pictures of the car and many others asking questions. If you are looking for anonymity, this is not the car for you.

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  Poor Engineering or a lemon? - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By CB III - March 4 - 6:43 pm

  So took possession of my Panamera in March of 10. Strange noise from the car engine right after delivery. The master tech @ Porsche stated nothing was wrong. After I kept insisting something was wrong, the North Amer Porsche tech looked at it. Needs a new transmission! This passed Friday, the engine failed. Brought it in and the Porsche dealer stated they could look at it in a couple of weeks. I have owned 7 Series BMWs since 96. Never had service with an attitude like this in all my years with BMW. So the car looks great, drives extremely well, but I am seriously concerned about the engineering. Did they push this model out to quickly? Did they train the techs to service it?

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  2011 Porsche Panamera 4 - 2011 Porsche Panamera
  By Porsche_lover - January 9 - 9:26 am

  Weve been through many luxury cars, Lexus GS350, Mercedes CLK 430, CLK500, BMW 335I, BMW 535i, Audi A6 and to our opinion, none of those drive like our new Panamera 4. They are either too soft or too hard and none of them beats the comfort and the handling of the Porsche. We only have a few hundreds miles on the car but we can feel that the build quality is way better. The seat comfort, audio system and ride are first class. With the V6 at 5.8 secs from 0-60mph, its not the fastest car but its adequate for passing. We will update after a few thousands miles.

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  Love on 4 wheels - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By RMB - November 4 - 5:06 am

  I hope I am not writing this review too soon, picked up the car last week. Traded in a Audi A8L for this beast. Performs well on the road. Difficult to maintain the speed limit. The Panamera style and performance has lived up to expectation. Interior styling compared to BMW and MB in my opinion beats both. The center console is a bit much, to many buttons and controls. The Sport Chrono package significantly improves the performance at high speeds. Porsche should build in a standard radar system or allow an option for one. Missing the GPS support such as GM On star or MB embrace. Paid 154k with lo-jack and tire/rim protection. The car get plenty of attention on the road. Happy @ 125 MPH!

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  Everything I Wanted (and expected) Plus More! - 2018 Porsche Panamera
  By JC - May 23 - 12:27 am

  While I have only had the car a few weeks, it is everything I expected. Luxurious and refined when desired or a "beast" when you want performance. (Just choose regular, sport, sport plus or custom driving mode.) The car grips the road, including corners, like no sedan I have ever driven. The seats are ultra-comfortable, front and rear. My ratings on reliability and value are only four stars because it is too early to know. Overall I am very pleased with zero regrets. Dont waste another moment spoil yourself today.

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  Amazing Automobile!!! - 2016 Porsche Panamera
  By Smrt5033 - April 14 - 3:10 am

  I Love this vehicle...true Sport car with room for four!!!! Great handling, comfort, and you will fall in love with this vehicle!!

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  Test drive sold the car! - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By safeman - March 24 - 10:56 am

  So I looked at everything from Cadillac, Maserati, Aston Martin, BMW M5 & M6, MB CLS 63 AMG. I drive a lot and I like to be able to take people out and throw the "just have to buy it" items at Costco in my car without having to run home for my truck. I wanted something dependable, sporty, comfortable, packed with luxury, with some power, and unique. I found everything I was looking for in the Panamera. It is perfect as one reviewer wrote. It is not the fastest this is true but Im not a racer. It is just a great car to drive

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  2018 Panamera AWD Turbo Review - 2018 Porsche Panamera
  By M.S. - March 8 - 2:29 pm

  First, if you are wanting a high performance exhilarating drive, this is not the car for you. I recently moved from an Audi RS7 to this and the Audi was by far more of a hoot to drive. Thats not to say this is a slow car, but a very comfortable and overall sterile one. Raw numbers show this car besting the RS7 on paper but in real life there is no comparison. The Porsche is very comfortable and luxurious as was the RS7 but even moreso. The end effect is removing the driver from the experience. (I know, Porsche blasphemy). The lag of the throttle in comfort is slightly annoying as is the Start-Stop feature. It is extremely aggressive. Turning off as you park in the garage or before you even stop! To overcome this you switch to Sport or Sport Plus mode. But then EPA drops quickly. The car is much more fun in Sport Plus mode but in comfort it is grandpas ride. I really cant knock the overall car and hence the 4 stars, but I can say this with certainty...I miss my RS7.