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:

• 

  Best car ever - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By gvan54 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Easily the best and funnest car I have ever have. Including Bentley GT, BMW 7, countless Jags, Lexuses, and so on. The ONLY gripe is the center cup holder is too shallow. Everything you put in there tips over when corning.

• 

  4 door 911 turbo update - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By joe baldinger - February 23 - 6:10 pm

  Eight months in and the turbo Panamera continues to delight. Thus far no problems to report. Car fires up with the usual Porsche exhaust rush and with the sport button pressed the throttle and transmission are poised for fun driving. Sport plus is held in reserve for those special occasions when there is a worthy vehicle to offer a challenge. Still could use a stronger exhaust note to round out the sensory thrill of G forces on your back. The ultimate four seat luxury sports car that will out run all but a few mega priced cars.

• 

  The Second Best Sport Sedan - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Princeton73 - February 23 - 2:43 am

  I absolutely am infatuated with this car. I believe its only the second best sedan because my wife has the Mercedes Benz CLS 63 AMG. Though I believe that the CLS is slightly better, this car is a close competitor. The Panamera is slightly less luxurious and ever less sporty, but given that we needed a second sedan, we didnt want two of the same car. The Panamera is great for road trips and trips to the supermarket. The CLS is made for the night in the town or for weekends. Both are fantastic cars, and Id recommend them both. We have put around 5,000 miles on the Porsche so far. Both the MB and the Porsche have breathtaking performance. Both cars were around the same price ($145,000).

• 

  Awesome! - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Mark - January 26 - 12:33 pm

  "There is no substitute" What an experience! This car is a dream. I have test driven just about everything out there in this class. From Maserati to Jaguar to BMW. The Panamera has them all beat! Luxury, power, comfort, looks. Amazing experience. I look forward to the ride in to work and going home. A real attention getter.

• 

  Best Car Ever - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Bash - January 14 - 4:03 pm

  I finished 500 miles on the new Panamera. After BMW 750 and MB. I was surprised with performance and comfort of this car. It is without any doubt, the most fun car to drive I ever had. It is surprisingly very comfortable, roomy and powerful. Unmatchable experience.

• 

  Very nice interior - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Robert - May 18 - 9:10 pm

  This car has the nicest interior of any I have been in. You feel like you are wrapped in luxury. I would live in it if I could. I especially like the Yachting interior. It has alternating multicolored words in the console. Very nice is an understatement. Lots of buttons and a touch screen navigation. The power is also more than adequate on the “S” version.

• 

  The BEST all round vehicle - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Chris S. - April 9 - 8:40 pm

  This vehicle is for the typical daily Sunday driving, (relaxed, cruising) as well as the driver that is hitting the pedal to the metal every chance possible. The Panamera has multiple settings, for the mood of driving. The standard is very laxed such as a 7 series BMW and the 2 levels of sport and Sport plus will pin you to the end of your seat. The interior is very impressive as much as the exterior in my opinion. I feel very in control. The seats contour your back and all buttons are there in direct reach for the driver. The Panamera is fun and in my eyes one of the best looking cars on the road. I have had about every high end vehicle or at least driven them all and this by far is best.

• 

  Great sports car - 2012 Porsche Panamera
  By jimcbr - February 28 - 7:19 am

  Really great car, shockingly so. Its a very comfortable 4 door sedan, decent headroom, comfortable, usable seats, both front and rear, smooth and quiet ride, nice interior. At the same time, it has absolutely unreal, incredible sports car handling. The only car Ive ever driven that handled the road as well as the Panamera was a 360 Modena. But that was a very noisy 2 seater, you could feel every bump on the road, difficult to get in an out of, etc. Amazing, they basically took a Ferrari and made it pleasant to drive, with virtually no degradation in performance.

• 

  Porsche Panamera 4S - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By Porschefan - January 24 - 9:23 am

  Just purchased this car after months of research, test drives and deliberation. This car is absolutely phenomenal! It has all of the basic Porsche characteristics that every fan loves, but with heavy dose of luxury, quiet and comfort. When the car is is Sport Plus mode, the engine literally growls-- displaying plenty of torque. The styling is unique and was probably the biggest hurdle for me, personally. However, once you drive the car, you cant wipe the smile off your face. Its just that good!

• 

  Best car I ever owned - 2010 Porsche Panamera
  By new2porsche - December 27 - 2:10 pm

  Only 3 weeks, but this is easily the best car I have owned. Unbelievable power, handling, and comfort. And great fun to drive. I have the 4S with entry and drive, sport chrono pkg, heated front and rear, front and rear A/C, plus all the standard features. Notable features are interior design, quality and control of nav/sound system (Bose), and huge convenience. More fun to drive than BMW, and electronics to match Lexus. Have been pushing the limits and still getting 22-24mpg!