Porsche Panamera 2023 Reviews, Prices and Specifications

Porsche offers the Panamera in a variety of models and prices, your budget and needs should determine which one is best for you. There’s nothing superfluous in the box, including the base model, which produces 325 horsepower and starts under $100,000. We’re also big fans of the Executive model, which features a longer wheelbase and offers significantly 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 a 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 miss the adaptive air suspension, which enhances the hatchback’s ride and handling, or the Sport Chrono package. The latter adds a Sport Plus setting with launch control and improves 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 joy to drive. It also provides the comfort and luxury one would expect from an expensive four-door hatchback. Every Panamera comes with an upgraded engine, but only a few sport the Turbo badge. We review these 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 basic rear drive model shoots up to 60 mph in a fleet of 4.4 seconds. Under the hood is much faster 4S models—60 mph in 3.6 seconds—is a 440-hp twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6. Upgrade to GTS giving you a 473-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. It’s the best performance off the non-Turbo line, clocking 60 mph 3.2 seconds. However, the suspension sacrifices some ride quality in the name of handling. Porsche is also offering plug-in Panameras, with a 455-hp powertrain inside 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 one Taycan.

Real World Fuel and MPG Savings

For fuel economy, the 4 E-Hybrid is the best of the Panamera, as it offers limited all-electric range before needing to start the petrol engine. Otherwise, the most efficient nonhybrid models are the base Panamera and the 4 and 4S models, all of which share the same 18 mpg city and 24 mpg fuel economy ratings. When we got the chance to test the Panamera model at 75 mph highway fuel economy test route, we will update this story with the results. For more information on the Panamera’s fuel economy, visit EPA website.

Interior, Comfort and Cargo

Porsche’s Panamera offers a driver-focused cabin that looks and feels as luxurious as its price would have you believe. The list of standard features is long and appropriate for its class, but as with any Porsche, the list of options is wide, tempting and expensive. Upgrades include everything from massage chairs to leather-covered climate control ventilation to fire extinguishers. More common options include ventilated seats, soft-close doors, four-zone automatic climate control and power-operated rear sunshade. We especially like the sports seats with 18-way adjustment. You sit low in the Panamera, which makes this sedan-like hatchback feel like a sports car. Plus, it’s spacious inside, even for tall drivers. Executive stretch models offer legroom like a limousine in the back. The center console looks high-tech as it is filled with touch-sensitive controls for functions such as climate control. Unfortunately, we found the all-touch system to be finicky and difficult to use while driving, but you get used to it quickly. The Panamera also provides good storage space, with 18 cubic feet of cargo space.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Sitting in the center of the Panamera’s dashboard is a large and attractive 12.3-inch touchscreen; Unfortunately, the infotainment system isn’t as easy to use as it should be. While it has desirable features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, navigation, and Wi-Fi hotspots, the menus are complex, and many of its functions could be more intuitive. Because of this, the system may interfere with operation while driving.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Porsche has an excellent reputation for crash safety and performance, and the Panamera is available with many options driver assistance features. Porsche now provides some of these, such as lane-keeping assistance, as standard equipment, but many of the technology-based driver assistance (such as night vision features) and active safety systems cost more coins. For more information on the results of the Panamera crash tests, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:

• Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are available
• Blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alerts are available
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

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

• The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• The powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Free maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles