Full Test: 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S

The problem is this: why would I pay for for this than an S550 or 750? Sure they aren't quite as fast but they are cheaper and look far better. I don't know exact price of S63 but I'd take one over this.

If I wanted all out performance why would I pay extra for this vs an XF-R, E63 or CTS-V? Not sure why the test says nothing short of the M5 can touch this. CTS-V they tested was faster to 60, faster through the quarter, faster through the slalom, .05g less on skidpad and $50k cheaper. The CTS beat the M5 and yet the M5 gets the shout out as the only 4 door that can come close in performance.

I don't have problem with the styling. Yeah, it takes some time to get used to, but in the end, it's not so bad. Now, if only I had the $$$....

I don't have problem with the styling. Yeah, it takes some time to get used to, but in the end, it's not so bad. Now, if only I had the $$$....

"Why would I pay for for this than an S550 or 750? Sure they aren't quite as fast but they are cheaper and look far better. I don't know exact price of S63 but I'd take one over this."

+1. The Panamera's back seat is cramped and it just looks so disproportionate compared to the others. The performance is there, but how many times will it be used to its full potential? And speaking of the MB S63, earlier this year I had a chance to drive one; I dare say that it's a better vehicle than the Bentley Flying Spur. And FWIW, the MB S63 starts at $137K.

That said, the only reason anyone would buy the Panamera is because of the cache and prestige of the Porsche badge.

1487: "I don't know exact price of S63 but I'd take one over this"

That's what I thought until I drove this one. It's a game-changer. The AMG S-class cars were my top-dollar dream toys until I got in this.

"The Panamera's back seat is cramped"

Nope. Looks snug but is really nice.
-mm

For the same amount of money, some people actually prefer MB over Porsche? What up with that?

MB is over-rated... Lousy handling, poor reliability (especially electronics) and cheap looking interior materials...

Also, my dislike preference: that huge & UGLY (definitely UN-Cool) analog clock INSIDE the dashboard... Who wants to look at the clock all the time...?

For that much money, better go with Porsche or BMW.

Porsche needed to expand their market and I think this is a perfectly appropriate means of doing that. This is far better than the Cayenne.

I like the Porsches styling much better then the MB or the BMW. The Porsche is a bit odd from some angles but it's interesting in a cool sort of way.

The big Benz and BMWs just look like generic 4 door high sedans... nice enough but kinda dull now.

As for people only buying it for the name... isn't that reaason the the majority of Benzs and BMWs are bought too?

This class of car wouldn't exist if it weren't for the posers. There just aren't enough car guys out there to support it.

Absolutely love everything about this car. Even the price. Exclusivity and top notch performance are what is going to power the sales.

I'm a bit conflicted on the price of this car. One one hand, a 400hp+ premium sedan can be had for half of the as-tested price of the Porsche. The BMW M3 even seems to come close to the tactility (from what I've read), and it offers a real manual. On the other hand, the Panamera 4S is about $4k cheaper than a 911 4S with PDK while offering 15 more horsepower and two more (usable) seats. What would I do with my $120k? Buy a 4-door M3 and a Boxster S.

hahaha its funny that people look at this in a sense of practicality. but i dont think that was thier intention. The S class and 7 are more like limo comps, this is only comparable in price. i mean i dont see this as a direct stab at them, just due to lack of space and back seat options. Its more just a 4 door porsche, then a luxury sedan

^ I agree. This is a four door Porsche. This is a car to drive and not be driven in (MB and BMW).

Ok I find it very amusing that the author says:

¨With the exception of the Panamera's awesome skid pad number, which is simply light-years ahead of anything else on the planet with four doors,¨

Well then what was it the 2008 evo X GSR? Released like what, 2 years ago?
Skid pad is 0.99G..... what would the author call this car then? A car that costs around $80k less.....OMG! OMG! And this is with simple 18 inchers...lol.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=124209/pageId=134216

Just more, the slalom of that car is 70.7 mph...and yes it stops in 112ft.
And yes, it is a sedan, it has four doors.

Come on insideline, u can do better than that. The porsche emblem was glarin too much? Or was it the sticker price that leave u kinda nonsense?

So, which nickname would be appropiate for a car with the perfomance and the price of a lancer evo X GSR?

By the way, where are the numbers of practicality of this huge car?
No mention of cubic feet of space nowhere in the article.
No doubt the car performs like a porsche, bravo for that feat! I really do admire and like those numbers given its weight and size.... But come on, $113k for that?

I don't doubt the performance but its still ugly. I could live with the acceleration from the cheaper S550. I'm not even that crazy about the S550's styling but it looks better than this. If I really wanted all out performance I'll take the CTS-V and pocket the difference- or get another car. Basically this car gives you a higher skidpad figure for $50k. Not a good deal.

Ooh, and when the CTS-V Sport Wagon comes out you'll have the performance and practicality for way less.

I love hatch backs and wagons. I thought the CTS sport wagon looked goofy in pictures. But when i saw one in person on the road i fell in love. I love the look of the Porche here, but i think the CTS would be the car for me.

Also 44.6 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded, it is listed under the picture of the trunk with the seats folded.

I like the concept of the vehicle but why couldn't they just make it a real sedan? This car is not attractive. Basically, they should've made a Porsche Quattroporte and I wouldn't have any issues.

As far as the road test is concerned, why was the M5 said to be the only sedan that could run with it when the M5 can't even keep up with a CTS-V? If you analyze the acceleration data, you will see this car behaves the same as the GT-R in terms of acceleration. AWD and the dual clutch tranmsission gives it a jack rabbit start but the trap speed on the 1/4 mile time is below the M5 and CTS-V. It's lacking in power considering the price and above triple digit speeds, it's behind the competition.

Porsche should go back to Flat Boxer engines.

I know some still have a flat engine but why not alll of them?

I think it looks nice....and who in the hell cares if it is $50,000 more than a CTS-V?????? I am sure they are not cross-shopped. All this debate about paper performance is so stupid. Why not put a sign on the cars saying the 1/4 mile times so everybody can see it?....or leave the window sticker on your CTS so everybody knows how smart you are for paying less.
God forbid somebody would buy a car because they like the way it drives and looks and not care what anybody else thinks.

At first, I was skeptical of this car because of its looks and price. I am now inclined to appreciate that Porsche can make some profit here, which may help their sports car program stay vibrant. This is not a typical car, and that by itself is worthy of my appreciation.

I think the comments in the "I would buy a CTS-V and a sports car" vein are really funny.
For several reasons:
1/ No you wouldn't because you can't afford either let alone both.
2/ It bugs you that other people can afford cars like this Porsche.
3/ People who are in the market for this Porsche are not remotely concerned that you can buy much cheaper cars.

Complaining about cars like Porsches, Ferraris et al, stating that cheaper cars can do the same job is akin to whining about the Mona Lisa when a velvet Elvis can give some of you the same satisfaction...

"I think it looks nice....and who in the hell cares if it is $50,000 more than a CTS-V?????? I am sure they are not cross-shopped. All this debate about paper performance is so stupid. Why not put a sign on the cars saying the 1/4 mile times so everybody can see it?....or leave the window sticker on your CTS so everybody knows how smart you are for paying less."

Exactly; you simply cannot compare cars like they are Pokemon cards.

"1/ No you wouldn't because you can't afford either let alone both.
2/ It bugs you that other people can afford cars like this Porsche.
3/ People who are in the market for this Porsche are not remotely concerned that you can buy much cheaper cars."

You nailed it.

"Complaining about cars like Porsches, Ferraris et al, stating that cheaper cars can do the same job is akin to whining about the Mona Lisa when a velvet Elvis can give some of you the same satisfaction..."

But how else can those complainers feel smug and superior?

1487: "If I really wanted all out performance I'll take the CTS-V and pocket the difference- or get another car. Basically this car gives you a higher skidpad figure for $50k. Not a good deal."

CTS-V
CTS-V
CTS-V
CTS-V
CTS-V
CTS-V
CTS-V

YAAAAAAAAAA!

this is a nice car and all, but i'd take a quattroporte over this for driving fun, an s63 or cts-v for speed, and an s550 for all out luxury. I guess this car could be a nice combination, but ill stick with the maserati as my choice, to bad ill never have to make that choice.

Why does every performance sedan have to be compared to a M5 or CTS-V regardless of what segment it competes in or demographic it caters to? The Panamera DOES NOT directly compete with the M5/CTS-V or other cars within that segment. For that matter, it really doesn't directly compete with the 750, S-Class or Audi A8. Although priced similarly, I don't consider those cars as the Panamera's direct targets as this car is far more exclusive and has a more narrow or more focused purpose. The aesthetics of the Panamera alone should tell anyone who even has the slightest interest in cars that its not the trying to compete with the common or mainstream sport/luxury offering as its obviously different.

To further understand the Panamera, one would have to look elsewhere for more exclusive performance sedan offerings such as the Maserati Quattroporte, and the new Aston Martin Rapide. Those cars are definitely more in line with the Panamera as they are much more similar in terms of overall design, demographic targets, exclusivity and overall purpose.

As far as the CTS-V is concerned, its a ridiculously great car but I don't see Cadillac (or other luxury brands) ever playing in this small, high end and ultra expensive niche segment of the sport/luxury segment as they just don't have the proper foundations, financial structure, cache, or outright desire to do so.

Isn't VW, with its acquisition of Porsche, supposed to be terminating this car in the near future?

@hondacura4
I agree. I doubt that many customers will cross-shop the Panamara against a CTS-V, S-Class or 7-Series "sedans." Maybe the Benz CLS, and certainly the other exotic "4-door coupes" that are coming to market.
@kurtamaxxxguy
That's been rumored. Same with dropping the Cayenne.