2023 Porsche Panamera

Overview

The Panamera breaks from many long-time Porsche traditions. It’s got its engine in the front rather than in the middle or the rear. It caters to families who have outgrown the narrow comforts of the two-door 911. While the Panamera offers two more seats, more legroom and additional cargo space it’s still a joyful ride that can deliver a driving experience worthy of repeating. Power comes from a standard 325-hp turbocharged V-6; rear-wheel drive is standard but four-tire fire is optional. For more power, the Panamera 4S AWD model unlocks the 440-hp twin-turbo V-6, but life really speeds up in the 473-hp twin-turbo V-8 in Panamera GTS. Even the base Panamera exhibits sports-car-like handling, with decisive steering and incredible grip that together deliver raw driving pleasure—something the bigger sedans from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz lack. For a smidge of additional cargo space, the Panamera Sport Turismo, reviewed separately, has a more suitcase-friendly rear shape. If you prefer your wagon tied to up to 689 ponies, the Panamera Turbo, also reviewed separately, might have the right herd for you.

What’s New for 2023?

Porsche doesn’t make any significant changes to the Panamera for 2023. While it’s been left largely unchanged since its refresh in 2021, this year the biggest update is standard adaptive cruise control across all trim levels.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Porsche offers the Panamera in such a wide range of models and prices, your budget and needs should dictate which is best for you. There isn’t a dud in the pack, including the base model, which churns out 325 horsepower and starts just under $100,000. We’re also huge fans of the Executive models, which feature a longer wheelbase and offer considerably more rear-seat legroom than the standard body. For our part, we feel the Panamera 4S strikes the best balance between performance and value, with its 440-hp twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 and standard all-wheel-drive system. Porsche also offers an endless selection of options, but don’t skip the adaptive air suspension, which improves the hatchback’s ride and handling, or the Sport Chrono package. The latter adds a Sport Plus setting with launch control and dials up the response and performance of the Panamera’s engine, transmission, and chassis.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

With agile handling and a smooth ride, especially when equipped with the optional adjustable air suspension, the Panamera is a thrill to drive. It also provides the comfort and luxury expected of such an expensive four-door hatchback. Every Panamera comes with a boosted engine, but only some wear the Turbo badge. We review those models separately. The base rear-wheel-drive Panamera and all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 feature a 325-hp turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6. The base rear-drive model zips to 60 mph in a fleet 4.4 seconds. Under the hood of the considerably quicker 4S model—60 mph in 3.6 seconds—is a 440-hp twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6. Upgrading to the GTS gives you a 473-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. It’s the best performing of the non-Turbo line, with a 3.2-second 60-mph time. However, its suspension sacrifices some ride quality in the name of handling. Porsche also offers plug-in Panameras, with a 455-hp powertrain in the 4 E-Hybrid and a 552-hp setup in the 4S E-Hybrid. Buyers looking for an all-electric Porsche should check out the new Taycan.

More on the Panamera Wagon

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

For fuel economy, the 4 E-Hybrid is the best of the Panameras, as it offers a limited all-electric driving range before needing to fire up its gasoline engine. Otherwise, the most efficient of the nonhybrid models are the base Panamera and the 4 and 4S models, all of which carry the same 18 mpg city and 24 mpg fuel economy ratings. When we get a chance to test the Panamera models on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, we’ll update this story with the results. For more information about the Panamera’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Porsche’s Panamera boasts a driver-focused cabin that looks and feels every bit as luxurious as its steep price would have you believe. The list of standard features is long and appropriate for the class, but as with any Porsche, the options list is also extensive, seductive, and pricey. Upgrades include everything from massaging seats to leather-covered climate-control vents to a fire extinguisher. More common options include ventilated seats, soft-close doors, four-zone automatic climate control, and a power-operated rear sunshade. We especially like the sport seats with 18-way adjustability. You sit low in the Panamera, which gives this sedan-like hatchback a sports-car feel. Plus, it’s spacious inside, even for tall drivers. Executive stretch models offer limo-like legroom in the back. The center console looks high tech as it’s littered with touch-sensitive controls for functions such as the climate control. Unfortunately, we find this all-touch system to be fussy and difficult to use while driving, but you get used to it quickly. The Panamera also provides a good amount of storage room, with 18 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

Sitting in the center of the Panamera’s dash is a large and attractive 12.3-inch touchscreen; unfortunately, the infotainment system isn’t as easy to use as it should be. Although it has desirable features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, the menus are complicated, and many of its functions could be more intuitive. As it is, the system can be distracting to operate while driving.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Porsches have a very good reputation for safety and crash performance, and the Panamera is available with numerous driver-assistance features. Porsche now provides some of them, like lane-keeping assist, as standard equipment, but many of the tech-based driver aids (like the night-vision feature) and active safety systems require more coin. For more information about the Panamera’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Available blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

At four years or 50,000 miles, both Porsche’s limited warranty and its powertrain warranty are competitive in this class, and its 24-hour roadside-assistance program spans the same amount of time. Porsche also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for a short period, but BMW’s program is considerably longer.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles

Specifications

Specifications

2021 Porsche Panamera GTS

Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE

Base/As Tested: $130,650/$148,800

Options: Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, $5010; black leather, $3480; Carmine Red paint; $3270; rear¬axle steering, $1650; Bose speakers, $1600; Lane Change Assist; $1060; Surround View camera, $920; Sport Chrono dial in Carmine Red, $420

ENGINE

twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement: 244 in3, 3996 cm3

Power: 473 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque: 457 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm

TRANSMISSION

8-speed dual-clutch automatic