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Premium large car; Built in Germany
  • 4-door hatchback
  • 4-door hatchback
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $35,200 – $155,100*


2010 Porsche Panamera profile


2010 Porsche Panamera rear


2010 Porsche Panamera interior


2010 Porsche Panamera front

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Available all-wheel drive
  • Cargo room
  • Handling
  • Interior materials
  • Passenger and cargo room
Cons:
  • Entry/exit
  • Visibility

Porsche predictably aimed for the sporty side of the luxury-car market and certainly hit its mark. The Panamera also scores points for its cargo versatility and passenger room/comfort. However, some compromises go along with Panamera’s performance. For one, its low build sometimes makes getting in and out a hassle. While it eschews an “all-in-one” control interface (a la BMW or Mercedes-Benz), Panamera’s dashboard workings take a bit of acclimation. Still, for folks who would otherwise own a sedan, an SUV, and a sports car but have only one garage space, this Porsche might be just the car to fill it. Our nod goes to the V6 Panamera and Panamera 4. Not only are they the least-expensive models, they also offer the best balance of power, handling, ride quality, and luxury.

Overview

The 2010 Porsche Panamera debuted as a large, four-passenger, four-door hatchback–quite a contrast to the long succession of Porsche two-door coupes and cabriolets. Rear-wheel-drive S and all-wheel-drive 4S and Turbo models were offered. All used a front-mounted 4.8-liter V8 engine and seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission that behaved much like an automatic. S and 4S models had 400 horsepower, while the Turbo generated 500 horsepower. Standard safety features included all-disc antilock braking, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain-side airbags with rollover sensing, front- and rear-side airbags, and front-knee airbags. All models had an engine stop and start feature that shut off the engine when the car was stopped and restarted it when the brake pedal was released. Also standard was a rear-obstacle detection system. An adaptive air suspension was standard on the Turbo and optional on the S and 4S. Other available features included four-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a split-folding rear seat, a rear refrigerator, steering-linked bi-xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, and DVD entertainment. With the Panamera, Porsche competed against the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Jaguar XJ, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Yearly Updates

2011 Panamera
The Panamera lineup expanded to include lower-price V6-powered models. New for 2011 was the base Panamera, which had a 300-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. It joined the high-power S, 4S, and Turbo, all of which used a 4.8-liter V8 engine. All Panamera models had a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission that behaves much like an automatic. All had an engine stop and start feature that shuts off the engine when the car is stopped and restarts it when the brake pedal is released. Electronic suspension control was optional on V6 models and standard otherwise.
2012 Panamera
For 2012, the Porsche Panamera lineup gained a new high-performance model along with a gas/electric hybrid. The performance-oriented Turbo S had a turbocharged V8 with 550 hp. The gas/electric S Hybrid teamed a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor for a combined 380 horsepower.
2013 Panamera
Though existing Panamera models were little changed for 2013, Porsche again did its typical thing by adding three new variations, each carefully calculated for price and content. These comprised the GTS, based on the V8 all-wheel drive Panamera 4S, and special Platinum Editions of the base V6 Panamera and AWD Panamera 4, which were technically trim options, not distinct models.
2014 Panamera
There was quite a bit new for the 2014 Panamera. All models wore updated exterior styling. There was a new e-Hybrid plug-in hybrid model, a new extended-wheelbase Executive model debuted. A new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 replaced the 4.8-liter V8 in Panamera S models.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive

Porsche’s 4.8-liter V8 engine came in either regular or turbocharged form. The regular V8 produced 400 horsepower (430 in the new-for-2013 GTS, which increased to 440 in the 2014 GTS), while the Turbo’s V8 generated 500 horsepower (550 in the 2012 Turbo S). A 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower, became available for 2011. It saw a horsepower increase to 310 for 2014. A new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 rated at 420 horsepower replaced the 4.8-liter V8 in 2014 Panamera 4 and 4S models. All engines drove a seven-speed automated-manual transmission. New for 2012 was the Hybrid S, which had a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 mated to an electric motor for a combined 380 horsepower. It was replaced by a plug-in e-Hybrid model for 2014 with a combined rating of 416 horsepower. Both Hybrid models came with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.6/219
Engine HP 300-310
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 295
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automated manual

 18/27
Supercharged dohc V6/electric
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/183
Engine HP 380-416
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 427-435
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
8-speed automatic

 22/30
dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.8/293
Engine HP 400-440
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 369-384
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automated manual

 16/24
Turbocharged dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.8/293
Engine HP 500-550
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 516-553
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automated manual

 15/23

Road Test

Porsche claimed 0-60 mph acceleration times of 5.2 seconds for the S, 4.8 for the 4S (due to the superior off-the-line traction of its all-wheel-drive system), and 4.0 for the Turbo. With the V6, the times are 6.0 seconds with rear drive and 5.8 with AWD. Shave about 0.2 seconds on cars equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, which includes driver-selectable controls for throttle and transmission response. Those figures seem a bit optimistic. With a V8, the transmission doesn’t always kick down promptly for passing, though power is ample once it does. Normal acceleration from a stop is smooth; but especially in all-wheel-drive models, full-throttle acceleration is accompanied by a brief hesitation followed by a couple of jerking motions within the first 50 feet. The transmission seems better behaved with the V6, with immediate response in any situation. Normally, the Panamera starts off in second gear. If you floor the throttle from a stop, the transmission takes a moment to shift down to first before the car launches, and then there’s a driveline jerk or two. First gear can be set from a stop by manually overriding the transmission with the floor shifter or steering-wheel paddles. The engine start/stop feature works smoothly. We have had no opportunity to drive a turbocharged V8 model or a hybrid.

Fuel economy is so-so. In Consumer Guide testing, a V6 Panamera 4 averaged 20.5 mpg with more highway driving than city use. All models require premium-grade gas.

On all Panamera models, the ride is composed but firm in the Teutonic tradition. Most bumps are well absorbed with very good body control. S and 4S models came standard with Comfort and Sport suspension settings.

Switch to Sport mode and the suspension firms further to provide sporty handling. At least with the V8, however, the Panamera is too large and heavy to really feel sports-car agile. Due to their lower curb weights, V6 models feel more nimble, driving more like smaller cars than they really are. Strong brakes provide impressive stopping power.

Wind and tire noise are well controlled at highway speeds, and the engine revs with a muted growl. Some Panameras are equipped with a Sport exhaust system, which removes the “muted” under full-throttle acceleration to emit a prominent, raspy tone.

Whereas most cars in this segment have adopted joystick controllers linked to a dashboard screen to perform the myriad adjustments now common in luxury cars, Porsche went with individual buttons and a touchscreen display. There are plenty of buttons, but in most ways, they’re far quicker to actuate. However, they’re not always logically grouped, and some audio functions are not intuitive. Straight ahead of the driver is a large tachometer, but the speedometer is rather small and mounted to the left side of the instrument panel, out of direct line of sight. As in all Porsches, the ignition switch is on the left side of the dashboard. Interiors are richly appointed with fine materials and plenty of padded surfaces. An Alcantara headliner and wood trim have been standard on the Turbo and optional otherwise. Also offered was aluminum and carbon-fiber trim. All versions have an expensive look.

Up front, there’s plenty of room for adults on comfortable seats that might be equipped with heating and ventilation. But since the Panamera sits lower than most competitors, the seats are closer to the ground, which can make for difficult ingress and egress, particularly for taller folks. When opened, the doors have no detents; instead, they simply hold in whatever position they’re placed–a really handy feature. Power operation for the tilt and telescopic steering wheel has been available, but that feature really should have been standard at this car’s price level. Visibility is hindered to the front, sides, and rear corners by thick roof pillars, and the rear window is but a slit.

Rear bucket seats accommodate only two passengers, but they’ll be quite comfortable. Those seats may be equipped with fore/aft adjustment to alter the seatback angle. Another unexpected surprise might be the available heating and ventilation. Headroom and legroom are adequate for adults, but foot space can get tight if the seat in front is lowered. Ingress and egress are hindered by the low seating position and an intrusive wheelwell arch, but as in front, the doors will hold open in whatever position they’re placed.

The hatchback–unique in this class–offers a tall, wide opening, but the Panamera’s sloped roof steals some cargo space at the rear. The hatch lid is powered and its opening height can be adjusted–handy for the very short or tall. Seatbacks fold easily but not entirely flat. The interior features a fair number of storage bins and cubbies, although none are very large.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2011 Porsche Panamera 4

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 7
70%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 9
90%
Quietness - 8
80%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 7
70%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 69

Specifications

4-door hatchback
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
115.0 197.4 76.0 55.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
44.6 21.1 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.0 38.2 41.8 33.3
4-door hatchback
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
120.9 203.4 76.0 56.1
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
44.6 26.4 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.0 38.2 41.9 NA
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2010 Not tested 4-door hatchback

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Brakes
Description: If one of the electronic parking brake actuators requires replacement, both must be replaced. (2010-11)
Steering problems
Description: Damaged o-rings can cause power steering lines to leak where they connect to the rack. (2010-12)
Transmission slippage
Description: Under certain conditions, the Porsche Panamera S e-Hybrid can experience minimal clutch slippage when decoupling from the hybrid system. This can cause a Hybrid System Failure message to erroneously be displayed. Vehicle is safe to drive after shutting off engine and restarting vehicle. (2014)
Water leak
Description: Water may collect on passenger carpet due to restricted evaporator drain lines and both must be cleared to fix the problem (2010-11)
Electrical problem
Description: Oil may get into the wiring harness, with all affected areas requiring replacement. (2010-13)
None
Description: Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system can send too much torque to front axle which causes wear on ring gear and pinion shaft, resulting in noisy condition. (2010-13)
None
Description: The Porsche Panamera S e-Hybrid’s low fuel pressure sensor may not have been tightened correctly when assembled and may need to be re-tightened. (2014)
Software problems
Description: The Porsche Panamera S e-Hybrid’s high-voltage system’s diagnostic function is too sensitive and can trigger false warning messages if it is not reprogrammed. (2014)
Software problems
Description: Software error in Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system can cause the Porsche Panamera S e-Hybrid to briefly lose power as torque is reduced to protect parking brake. (2014)
Entertainment problems
Description: A variety of iPod problems occur such as not recognizing the unit, turning it off randomly, and recognizing only by disconnecting then reconnecting. (2010)

Recall History

2010 Panamera S, 4S, and Turbo 4-door sedan
Description: In certain S, 4S, and Turbo models, if front seats are adjusted toward extreme position resulting in unfavorable tolerance of mating components, it is possible that seatbelt mount could detach from anchoring system when seatbelt is fastened or opened.
2011-2012 Panamera Turbo and Turbo S
Description: Turbo and Turbo S Turbine wheel of the turbocharger may fracture and damage the turbine shaft, potentially pulling oil into the exhaust system.
2012 Panamera S Hybrid
Description: Certain 2012 model Porsche Panamera S Hybrid vehicles made between April 26, 2011 and August 2, 2012 may have leaky fuel injection systems.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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