The Panamera comes in two body styles, with no fewer than six different engine options. The base engine is a turbocharged 3.0L V6 making 330 horsepower. Porsche claims that this engine will rocket the Panamera to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. Panamera S models use a 2.9L twin-turbo V6 making 440 hp. The sprint to 60 drops to 4.2 seconds for the S. The Panamera GTS makes good use of a twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 453 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque, capable of launching the GTS to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The Panamera E-Hybrid version combines the 330-hp V6 with an electric motor, for a total of 462 horsepower, while the full-blown turbo version uses a 4.0L V8 engine with two turbos to produce 550 horsepower. Porsche claims a 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds for the Turbo model. At the very top of the Panamera hierarchy lies the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, which combines the 550 horsepower V8 with an electric motor for a staggering 680 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds.
Base Panamera and Panamera S models come standard with rear-wheel drive, while GTS, E-Hybrid and Turbo models come standard with all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional for base and S models. Power is distributed by an 8-speed PDK gearbox, which is capable of incredibly fast shifts-part of the reason the Panamera can accelerate so rapidly.
A new development in the Panamera lineup for this generation is the all-new wagon model, dubbed the Sport Turismo. Where the regular Panamera has a trunk, the Sport Turismo has a long, elegantly shaped rear hatch, capable of swallowing a surprising amount of luggage. Though Porsche has continued to refine the Panamera styling, the Sport Turismo Panamera might be even better-looking still. All Sport Turismo Panameras also feature all-wheel drive.
Being a Porsche, the Panamera must fulfill a role as a luxury car, and its standard features reflect this. Base Panameras come with a 10-speaker 150-watt stereo, SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, a ParkAssist system, a rear camera, dual-zone climate control, partial leather seating with heaters for the front seat, a multifunction steering wheel, 19-inch wheels, HID headlights and a panoramic sunroof.
Options on the Panamera are multitude: A Premium Package includes a Bose sound system, 14-way power adjustable seats with a memory function, a lane-change assist function, and Porsche Comfort Access, which lets drivers start the car without having to take the keys out of their pockets.
The Premium Package Plus adds soft close doors, rear heated seats, vented seats in front, and Porsche's Dynamic Light system with headlight cleaners. An assistance package includes an adaptive cruise control system, a lane-keep assist system and night vision.
Improved Looks
Available All-wheel Drive
Well Controlled Body Motions
Powerful Engine Options
Porsche-level Performance And Handling
The Panamera remains essentially unchanged for the 2020 model year. However, Porsche have released a special edition to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Panamera, dubbed the Panamera 10 Years Edition. The 10 Years Edition is essentially an option package, that includes goodies such as a massive panoramic sunroof, soft close doors, a Bose sound system and LED matrix headlights. The 10 Years Edition also comes with unique styling touches such as gold tinted wheels and gold contrasting stitching on the interior.
The Panamera continues to be a fairly expensive car, with a base price north of $87,000. However, it offers the kind of driving experience that is unmatched by any other large luxury sedan. Other manufacturers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz also build high-performance luxury sedans, but none of those companies have the high-performance know-how to match Porsche. The Panamera doesn't just claim to be a 4-door sports car; it may be the most poised and athletic large sedan ever built.
