The Panamera comes in two basic body styles with no fewer than five 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 new 2.9L twin-turbo V6 making 440 hp. 0-60 times drop to 4.2 seconds for the S. A 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 hybrid and Turbo models come standard with all-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is optional for base and S models. Power is distributed by a new 8-speed PDK gearbox which shifts incredibly quickly and is partially responsible for those rapid acceleration times.
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. While 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 their 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
New to the 2018 Panamera lineup, is the wagon-esque Sport Turismo body style, offering up a little bit more space and practicality while maintaining the handsome Panamera's looks. There are two hybrid variants available, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. There's also a long-wheelbase variant for the Panamera hatchback, which adds extra leg room and cargo capacity.
The new Panamera continues to be a fairly expensive car with a base price north of $85,000, 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.
