Pros: High performance; sophisticated suspension
Cons: Prices start in the stratosphere and go up; big car seats only four
CG Says: The Porsche Panamera is redesigned for 2017 on an all-new platform that’s slightly larger than the previous generation. Panamera is a premium large 4-door hatchback with seating for four. In addition to the standard-length Panamera, there is an extended-wheelbase Executive version with more rear-passenger room. The base engine is a 330-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6; the two step-up non-hybrid engine options are a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 that makes 440 hp, and a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that puts out 550 hp. Added midyear was a plug-in E-Hybrid with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 paired with an electric motor for a combined 462 hp. The E-Hybrid can travel up to 31 miles on electric power alone. Porsche says the 2.9-liter V6 Panamera 4S has a top speed of 179 mph and is capable of 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds, and the V8-powered Panamera Turbo tops out at 190 mph and does 0-60 in 3.6 seconds. All engines are mated to an 8-speed automated-manual transmission. The base V6 is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; the other engines come standard with AWD. Rear-wheel steering for sharper turn-in and high-speed stability is available. Inside, there is a new control system with 12.3-inch screen. Available features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert, night vision, lane-keep assist, LED headlights, heated/ventilated/massaging front and rear seats, and adaptive suspension. Although prices are steep, the new Panamera promises a high level of performance and precise suspension control.
| Class | Premium Large Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door hatchback |
| Passenger Count | 4 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Porsche |
| Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
| Base Prices | Base: $85,000 AWD 4: $89,600 AWD 4 Executive: $96,300 AWD 4S: $103,000 AWD 4S Executive: $113,900 AWD Turbo: $150,000 $154,000 AWD Turbo Executive: $160,000 AWD 4 E-Hybrid: $105,050 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (Base, 4) |
| Horsepower 330 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automated manual |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 21 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 27-28 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 (4S) |
| Horsepower 420 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automated manual |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 21 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (Turbo) |
| Horsepower 550 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automated manual |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 18 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.9-liter V6/electric (E-Hybrid) |
| Horsepower 462 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automated manual |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) NA |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) NA |
