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Publication Date: November 6, 2009 The Scoop
As with most of their vehicle launches, Porsche introduced their new full-sized, luxury Panamera sedan to the auto press at a racetrack. Not just any racetrack but the famous Road America course at Elkhart Lake Wisconsin, with 6.5 km's of long straight-aways, elevation changes and 14 corners. One would expect to see $115,000-$155,000 sedans valet parked in front of a 5-diamond hotel. Not Porsche. Featuring their new car at a racecourse says a lot about their brand and their new car. For those that have been following the progress of the Panamera, before its introduction, know that it has been met with criticism, much the same way the Porsche Cayenne did when it came out a few years ago. Letting auto journalist go as fast as possible was a perfect way to let all know that this is a true Porsche, not just in name, but it just happens to come in sedan form.
The Skin
The most controversial element of this new sedan is the rear design, which in pictures looks like Porsche was trying too hard to make this big car look like a Carrera. It's when you see it in person that it has a much more appealing design than any picture can do justice. The rear windows and hatch do have Carrera influences but the rear bumper is actually rather straight and chunky. In fact the Panamera is wide, low and long, giving a sleek profile and deceiving the eye into thinking it isn't going to be big inside. Having a hatch instead of a conventional trunk is perfect for buyers who are used to the convenience of an SUV but want a sedan. The cargo area is big and Porsche claims that when the seats are folded the cargo area can hold a bicycle without having to take the front wheel off.
The Cockpit
Because the Panamera will compete head-to-head with established luxury cars like the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8 meant that more attention had to be paid to the interior. The Panamera has the highest level of standard features of any Porsche, yet it can still be ordered with a vast array of options to make it individual. A lot of thought went into the seating position for all four positions in the car. The driver has the same relationship to the steering wheel, dash and floor as a Carrera, so this new Panamera feels sport and very comfortable. The rear seats are set low so even thought he roofline is sporty, there is no compromise in regards to legroom and headroom, a person over six feet can easily sit in the back. The dash and centre consol is outstanding, with first-rate materials and logical layout.
The Ride
Driving around Road America gave me an understanding of just how much thought went into this car. The entirely new chassis and fresh sheet of paper allowed the engineers the opportunity to develop a car that meets two masters. The first is a luxury feel that is achieved using an adaptive air suspension with comfort setting and opulent interior. The second is performance. The Panamera S features a 400hp engine with rear wheel drive. The Panamera 4S is the same as the S but with all-wheel-drive. The Turbo features 500hp and is also all-wheel-drive. The Panamera 4S was my favorite going around the track because it helps pull the car through the corners, plus it would be better for winter traction. The Turbo is fun but I didn't notice a dramatic difference to the 4S. Handing is second to none, with great balance in the corner, amazing straight-line performance and big brakes. It should be said that after a day at the track the brakes faded and produced vibration but track duty for a big sedan is extreme punishment.
The Good, The Bad
Good: The Panamera features the best in class fuel consumption by utilizing a 7-seed transmission; advanced aerodynamics and quick engine warm up. The engine also stops and starts automatically when the vehicle comes to a stoplight, much the same way a hybrid does.
Bad: With a starting price of $115,000 this is a car for the rich. If you are rich, that is great. If not, then you will have to wait for a used Panamera.
Zack's verdict
I predict that the Panamera will be a slow growth story for Porsche. This big sedan has to be seen in person and driven to fully appreciate its looks and performance, which will take time. As potential buyers, who are already well served in other premium sedans, get a chance to investigate, will be attracted to the balance of power, performance and luxury. With more emphasis being put on performance than any other car in this class, I also predict that buyers who might be interested in a BMW M5 or Audi S6 would also be very at home in this car. Porsche has developed from a brand that only made sports cars into a brand that serves utility buyers and now luxury buyers all at the same time staying true to their performance roots. The Panamera is an amazing machine that will bring a whole new set of buyers to their brand.
The Lowdown
Power: 4.8L V8 with 400hp or 4.8L turbo V8 with 500hp
Fill-up: 12.9L/8.3L/100km (city/highway)
Backup: 4-year/80,000km
Sticker price: $115,100-$155,000
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