Name: Porsche Panamera Review
Item: Porsche Panamera
Author: Gumtree.com

Offering a thrilling ride that’s neatly packaged into a five-door luxury car, the Porsche Panamera has been gracing our streets since 2010. It’s one of the most agile luxury cars around, with a firm suspension offered in grippy rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options. Its high-performance engine line-up includes a choice of V6 and V8 petrol power, and there’s even an eco-friendly hybrid. The supreme quality and suave looks make it unmistakably a Porsche – as does the hefty price tag. If you’re looking for everyday practicality and the ultimate in kerb appeal, the Panamera fits the bill perfectly.

Check out available options and specs on our Porsche Panamera model page.

What we think about the Porsche Panamera

Driving the Panamera is certain to put a smile on your face. Expect fast acceleration, excellent handling and a cockpit filled with tech.

Pros

Sportscar looks

High-quality, tech-filled interior

Exciting drive

Hybrid option

Cons

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AEB an optional extra

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More space in conventional saloons

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Expensive price tag

The Panamera was restyled in 2020, and previous iterations ran from 2010, 2013 and 2016. The newest models have five trim levels including the Panamera, 4, 4S, GTS and the top of the line Turbo S. There are also two body shapes on offer – the standard Panamera and the Sport Turismo.

Driving performance of the Porsche Panamera

Our Driving Rating9 / 10

Four-wheel drive is available across the range except for the base level trim. With so much power underfoot, this is a great help when it comes to keeping control, especially in difficult driving conditions. The extremely agile handling means you’ll also get virtually no body lean when cornering. The eight-speed gearbox operates smoothly with the aid of Porsche’s double-clutch transmission. Choose the hybrid engine and you’ll get a pleasing balance of efficiency and raw performance. The electric-only mode can need a bit of a prod to get going though, so it’s best-suited for slower-paced, inner-city journeys.

Safety and reliability of the Porsche Panamera

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

The Panamera hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP but does have lots of safety features – as you’d expect from a premium manufacturer like Porsche. Disappointingly, automatic emergency braking (AEB) is not offered as standard, unlike in many other cars on the market. Eight airbags are included along with the Porsche Side Impact Protection System, anti-lock braking (ABS) and stability control. An active bonnet system helps to protect pedestrians by raising the bonnet slightly to cushion the impact of a collision. Amongst the gadgetry are the essential family favourites, with Isofix mounting points in the rear for easy child seat fitting.

Under the bonnet of the Porsche Panamera

Our Engine Rating9 / 10

The engine line-up delivers breathtaking performance. Even the most modest engine size, the V6 2.9-litre twin-turbo, manages an impressive 0 to 60 time of 5.6 seconds. Choose the Turbo S and you’ll get a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that can reach 60 mph in just over three seconds. Hybrid variants have featured as part of the range since 2016 and, with the 4S E-Hybrid, you’ll find a hefty 552 bhp combined power output. It’s a plug-in hybrid that offers up to 33 miles in electric-only mode – great for saving fuel when plodding along in built-up traffic. As you’d hope, the sound from all the engines is exhilarating, and most will be more than satisfied with the power from the V6.

What you'll find in the Porsche Panamera

Our Design Rating8 / 10

Its truly impressive styling pays homage to the iconic 911, especially in its rear design. The unique look is a cross between a saloon, hatchback and a coupe, and there’s a sportscar feel inside, too. You’ll find it in two different shapes: the standard and the Sport Turismo. The latter is an estate, with a slightly squarer rear, a third back passenger seat and a larger boot space opening, making it a more practical option for everyday, family needs.

Comfort and interiors in the Porsche Panamera

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

Plush, premium leather finishes can be found across almost all the surfaces, depending on the level of trim you go for. The pedals and steering wheel are well-placed, while an electronic wheel and seating adjustment help you get just the right driving position. Not that you’ll ever feel too uncomfortable in the embrace of the plush sports seats. There’s room in the back for two adults and, at a bit of a squeeze, you can fit three in the Sports Turismo.

Both front and rear sensors are offered as standard to help when parking, and a reversing camera is present on higher trims. This really helps with visibility, as the sloping roofline can make the view a little obscured. A touch-sensitive panel in the centre console is a fancy bit of kit, and you’ll also have a large 12-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay across the range. Its only downside is that it can be a bit fiddly to get used to while driving. The two seven-inch digital displays in the cockpit are a useful addition, too, helping to create that high-tech feel when out on the road.

What features you'll find in the Porsche Panamera

Our Features Rating8 / 10

One of the Panamera’s most impressive features is its adaptive air suspension with active anti-roll bars. It’s a firm ride that’s well-controlled and can handle bumps in the road with ease. 19-inch wheels are found on lower-level trims, with 21-inch 911 Turbo Design rims certainly adding the wow factor on the top-line Turbo S. Twin tailpipes, an adaptive rear spoiler and inset LED headlights give it that iconic Porsche look.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Porsche Panamera

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

If it’s fuel efficiency you’re after, then the hybrid varieties are certainly the best performers. Achieving over 30 miles in electric-only mode and a combined 141 mpg, they’re by far the most eco-friendly. Even the most powerful hybrid, Turbo S E-Hybrid, can manage over 100 mpg. CO2 emissions are as low as 45 g/km for the Hybrid 4 and just 61 g/km for the Turbo S Hybrid.

When it comes to the standard petrol-powered Panamera, you’re only looking at a range of 24.8-27.7 mpg – not surprising for such a performance-driven car. This drops to just 21.7 mpg in the petrol Turbo S. But let’s be honest, fuel economy is probably low down on the priorities if you’re in the market for this top-line trim.

Running costs of the Porsche Panamera

Our Cost Rating6 / 10

It’s a luxury car with a steep price tag, so you can expect servicing and maintenance costs to be at the upper end, too. However, Panameras come with an unlimited mileage three-year warranty with Porsche Assistance cover, so that will lessen the burden on newer models. Predictably though, they sit in the very highest insurance groups. Go for a hybrid if you can use this as a company car – your Benefit In Kind tax rates will be significantly lower than the standard petrol engines.

Our verdict of the Porsche Panamera

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Panamera is filled with sportscar touches and boasts jaw-dropping performance. If you're looking for a supercar feel in an everyday ride, it's a great choice.

Porsche Panamera Review