A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.8
Comfort & Interior
4.6
Running Costs
3.2
Practicality
4.1
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a luxury saloon that combines four door practicality with sports car performance? The Porsche Panamera delivers exactly that unique proposition in the executive car market. This impressive grand tourer offers genuine supercar acceleration alongside surprising everyday usability, making it a compelling alternative to traditional luxury saloons. The Panamera stands out with its distinctive fastback styling, advanced technology, and that unmistakable Porsche driving experience that few rivals can match.
The Panamera competes in the luxury performance saloon segment against established rivals like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S Class, but brings something different to the table. Where traditional executive cars prioritise comfort above all else, the Panamera delivers genuine sports car thrills without sacrificing luxury or practicality. This makes it particularly appealing to drivers who want the prestige and space of a large saloon but refuse to compromise on driving excitement.
Whether you’re considering a Porsche Taycan for sale as an electric alternative or looking at the traditional petrol Panamera, both offer that distinctive Porsche character. The Panamera proves that you can have your cake and eat it too, delivering supercar performance with four door versatility that works brilliantly for both business meetings and weekend escapes.
What's the Porsche Panamera Like to Drive?
The Porsche Panamera lineup offers an impressive range of powertrains to suit different driving preferences. The entry level models feature smooth V6 engines producing around 330 horsepower, providing effortless acceleration and refined power delivery. For those seeking more excitement, the GTS variant delivers 460 horsepower, launching from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. At the top of the range, the Turbo S produces a staggering 630 horsepower, making it one of the fastest luxury saloons available.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
-
Engine
2.9L V6 Twin-Turbo / 4.0L V8 Twin-Turbo
-
Power Output
330 - 630 bhp
-
0-60 mph
5.6 - 3.1 seconds
-
MPG Combined
25 - 35 mpg
- Boot Space
- 495 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Porsche Panamera: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Panamera and you’re greeted by one of the finest interiors in the luxury saloon segment. The dashboard features a clean, modern design dominated by multiple touchscreens that control everything from climate to navigation. The build quality is exemplary, with soft leather surfaces, genuine wood trim, and metal accents creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. Every switch and control operates with the precision you’d expect from a premium German manufacturer.
The Porsche Panamera masterfully blends four-door practicality with supercar performance, offering a rare balance of luxury and agility. Its Turbo S variant delivers 630 horsepower, transforming everyday driving into a thrill ride. While the interior boasts premium craftsmanship and advanced tech, higher running costs and occasional compromises in rear space slightly dampen its appeal. Still, it remains a compelling choice for those craving Porsche’s signature driving dynamics in a grand tourer.
Is the Porsche Panamera Expensive to Run?
Owning a Porsche Panamera comes with premium running costs that reflect its high performance luxury positioning. Fuel economy varies significantly depending on the engine choice, with V6 models achieving around 30 to 35 mpg in real world conditions, while the powerful V8 variants typically return 20 to 25 mpg. Insurance costs are substantial due to the car’s high value and performance capabilities, typically falling into the highest insurance groups. Service intervals are reasonable, though maintenance costs are higher than mainstream luxury saloons.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
|
Porsche Panamera
|
BMW 5 Series
|
Mercedes E-Class
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £75,000 | £40,000 | £45,000 |
|
Performance
|
|||
| Engine | 2.9L V6 330hp | 2.0L 4-cyl 184hp | 2.0L 4-cyl 197hp |
| Power | 330 bhp | 184 bhp | 197 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 seconds | 8.2 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
|
Running Costs
|
|||
| MPG Combined | 32 mpg | 45 mpg | 42 mpg |
|
Practicality
|
|||
| Boot Space | 495 litres | 530 litres | 540 litres |
|
Standard Features
|
|||
| Key Features | Sports car performance, Premium interior, Advanced technology | Balanced dynamics, Efficient engines, Spacious cabin | Luxury comfort, Smooth ride, Advanced safety |
Porsche Panamera Practicality & Boot Space
For a car with genuine supercar performance credentials, the Porsche Panamera is surprisingly practical. The 495 litre boot easily accommodates luggage for four adults on a weekend getaway or handles the weekly shopping with room to spare. The rear seats fold down to create additional cargo space when needed, and the wide opening makes loading bulky items straightforward. Inside the cabin, you’ll find numerous storage compartments for phones, drinks, and personal items.
Absolutely love my Panamera GTS. The sound of that V8 never gets old, but it’s also surprisingly comfortable for long trips. The technology takes some getting used to, but once you master it, everything works brilliantly.
The Porsche Panamera stands as one of the most successful attempts to blend sports car performance with four door practicality. It delivers the driving excitement you expect from the Porsche badge while offering genuine everyday usability that many pure sports cars simply cannot match. The combination of multiple powerful engine options, sophisticated chassis technology, and luxurious interior appointments creates a compelling package for discerning drivers.