The 2011 Porsche Panamera ranks 2 out of 10 Super Luxury Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 20 published reviews and test drives of the Porsche Panamera, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Now in its second model year, the 2011 Porsche Panamera continues to impress the automotive press with its performance and luxurious interior. Still, some reviewers dislike the Panamera’s styling, and even the base model’s price can skyrocket as you make your way through the options list.
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| 2011 Porsche Panamera |
With its first-class interior and athletic performance, the 2011 Porsche Panamera impresses nearly all who drive it. Rear-seat accommodations are almost as roomy as those up front, and the Panamera’s hatchback design gives it a utilitarian edge – with the rear seats folded it can match the cargo capacity of some SUVs. Edmunds says, “Yes, the Porsche Panamera does truly deliver the best of both worlds: sports car and sedan.”
Despite offering the comfort and convenience shoppers expect from a super luxury car, the Panamera still manages impressive performance. It’s as nimble a four-door sedan as you’ll likely find, and if you buy a turbo-charged model, it’ll go from zero to 60 faster than a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.
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| 2011 Porsche Panamera |
Thus far, the Panamera may look like the total package, but reviewers do have a few bones to pick with this Porsche. First, the automotive press isn’t in love with the Panamera’s appearance. Its steep roofline and hatchback body improve cargo capacity and passenger space in the back seat, but they also mean that the Panamera doesn’t have the sleek, sexy lines of other Porsche models like the 911. Second, despite its interior comfort, its low-slung design means that the Panamera can be difficult to get in and out of for taller folks. Lastly, there’s the price. Porsche has a long options list for the Panamera, and tacking on options can make an already expensive car even pricier.
Despite these minor qualms, if you’re looking for a super luxury car with impressive performance and an opulent, private jet-like interior, the Panamera may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Other Cars to Consider
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| 2011 Porsche Panamera |
The Panamera is unique among super luxury cars. It offers a luxurious interior that cars like the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class can match, yet these cars struggle to match the Panamera in terms of performance. Still, rivals from BMW and Mercedes do have one advantage – each offers space for five passengers, while the Panamera only has room for four.
Starting at just under $71,000, the BMW 7-Series is less expensive, and more powerful than the base Panamera. Its 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine puts out 15 more horsepower than the Panamera, and you’ll save about $4,000 off the base price. Still, the 7-Series doesn’t quite match the Panamera in terms of fuel economy, and while the BMW is a capable performer, the Panamera trumps it when the road gets twisty. Still, with multiple engine and drivetrain configurations – there’s even a 7-Series Hybrid – BMW’s flagship is worth a look before you throw down your many hard-earned dollars.
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| 2011 Porsche Panamera |
With a base price of $91,000, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class may not seem like a fair comparison at first. However, if you’re looking at the Panamera in S, Hybrid S or Turbo trims, the S-Class starts to make a lot more sense. At $91,000 the S400 Hybrid is about $4,000 less than the Panamera Hybrid S, and it offers a spacious interior that can seat one more than the Porsche. However, if you have your heart set on the Panamera S, the Mercedes S550 would be a more direct competitor, and more costly. At $93,000 the S550 is about $3,000 more expensive than the Panamera S, and it’s not as powerful or as fuel efficient. If you like the Panamera but want a softer, more luxurious ride, the S-Class may be worth looking into.
Porsche Panamera: The DetailsFor 2011, the Porsche Panamera is available in a total of five trims: V6-powered Panamera, V8-powered S, the hybrid/supercharged V6 Panamera S Hybrid, and top-of-the-line Turbo and Turbo S models. S Hybrid, base and S models are rear-wheel drive, while Turbo and Turbo S models put power to all four wheels. Additionally, base and S trims can be upgraded to the Panamera 4 and 4S, which feature all-wheel drive. All cars use Porsche’s seven-speed PDK transmission – a double clutch gearbox that works like an automatic.
For a bit under $75,000, the base Panamera includes an adaptive suspension, rear park assist, sunroof, power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, eight-way power heated front seats, and an 11-speaker stereo system. S models are similarly equipped, but add a more powerful, V8 engine, bringing the base price to almost $90,000. Adding all-wheel drive to these models isn’t cheap either: The Panamera 4 costs about $4,500 more than the base model, while the 4S costs nearly $5,000 more than the S trim.
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| 2011 Porsche Panamera |
For a flat $95,000 Porsche will sell you the Panamera S Hybrid, which should see improved fuel economy thanks to its hybrid powertrain, which incorporates a supercharged 3.0-liter V6. The Hybrid S has not yet been tested by the EPA, but when fuel economy numbers are available, we’ll bring them to you.
The most powerful members of the Panamera family are the Turbo and Turbo S models, which start at about $135,000 and $173,000, respectively. These models are significantly more powerful, and add features like larger wheels, adaptive headlamps, an adaptive air suspension system with adjustable ride height, front parking sensors, push button start, 14-way power adjustable front seats, heated rear seats and a 14-speaker Bose stereo.
Like all Porsche models, adding options can cause the Panamera’s price to skyrocket, and reviewers agree that you should choose options carefully. Even the sticker price for base models can easily climb to well over six figures. The options list is long, and includes notable features such as four-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a rear refrigerator, adaptive cruise control and a DVD entertainment system.
"For someone who really cares about back-road romps, the V-6 Panamera makes a compelling alternative to more conventional sedans like the similarly priced Audi A8 and BMW 7-series."
"Its hatchback design and folding rear seat backs make the Panamera uniquely versatile in this class, and that scores points with me. So do the surprisingly strong V6 and all-wheel drive. But the recalcitrant transmission would be an embarrassment in a $15,000 car, control functioning could be easier, and visibility is pretty bad."
"The new, entry-level Panamera is essentially the same car as the S and it, too, is a joy to drive. You give up some raw speed but not much else, and the base model may handle a tiny bit better than the S because it's slightly lighter."
"Once you consider all these positives, you could easily accept a merely adequate driving experience. Thankfully, the Panamera exceeds expectations in this regard, even when equipped with the base, V-6 engine."
Performance
Porsche offers the Panamera in a number of configurations, allowing you to tailor this super luxury car to meet your needs. New for 2011 are the base Panamera, Hybrid S and Turbo S models. And while reviewers have yet to test the Hybrid S or Turbo S, they have good things to say about the base Panamera.
Acceleration is brisk in the V6-powered Panamera and Panamera 4, while some reviewers say it’s downright scary in the more powerful S and Turbo models. Handling is also impressive for a super luxury car, and reviewers note that the base Panamera is likely the most agile of the pack, thanks to its light curb weight. Despite the high praise, some reviewers note that the Panamera’s transmission is not the most refined. One reviewer specifically cites that the transmission on his test car, a Panamera 4S, would hesitate on hard acceleration.
"Of course, all the Panamera’s dynamic goodness is passed along: strong brakes, sharp steering, and move-over-pavement-I’m-in-charge handling." -- Car and Driver
"The Panamera delivers astounding levels of performance for driving enthusiasts. Acceleration from the V8-powered Panamera is impressive, while the performance of the Turbo model is downright shocking. The car's handling limits are also surprising, as it corners like a much smaller sports car. Even the ride quality doesn't suffer, as this athletic sedan can insulate its occupants from the travails of the outside world just like a fine luxury car." -- Edmunds
"The key difference between the Panamera and the Panamera S is acceleration. Porsche says the base Panamera jumps from 0 to 60 in 6.0 seconds with rear-wheel drive - 5.8 seconds with all-wheel drive. The time drops to 5.2 seconds (5.0 seconds with AWD) in the S (and to 4.0 seconds in the Turbo, which comes only with AWD)." -- BusinessWeek
"Just a few years ago I would have written off the Panamera's V-6 version as falling short of Porsche buyers' expectations. Two things have changed my perspective: One is the power provided by Porsche's new V-6. The second is the surprising success of the Cayenne SUV's V-6 version -- following my dire predictions to the contrary." -- Cars.com
Acceleration and Power
The Panamera is available with five different engine configurations. New for 2011 is the base Panamera, which features a 300-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6, which Porsche claims can go from zero to 60 in six seconds. This V6 model is well liked by the automotive press. They say that it offers enough power for most, and handles even better than more powerful models because of its lighter weight. Next in line is the Panamera S, whose 4.8-liter V8 puts out 400 horsepower. Porsche says that in S trim, the Panamera sprints to 60 in 5.2 seconds.
All that power is great, but if you’ve got a soft spot for the environment Porsche offers the Panamera S Hybrid. The S Hybrid nearly matches the power of the Panamera S with a hybrid supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that puts out 380 horsepower. Hybrid S models are slightly faster than the base Panamera, and Porsche claims a zero to 60 time of 5.7 seconds.
If you’ve got money to burn, and would like to burn rubber just as quickly, the Panamera Turbo and Panamera Turbo S are Porsche’s most powerful models in the product line. The Turbo puts out a blistering 500 horsepower, while the Turbo S goes even further, putting 550 horsepower to all four wheels. Turbo and Turbo S Panameras go from zero to 60 in 4.0 and 3.6 seconds, respectively according to Porsche.
All Porsche Panameras use a seven-speed PDK (double clutch) automatic transmission. Base, S and S Hybrid models put power to the rear wheels, while Panamera 4, 4S, Turbo and Turbo S models come with all-wheel drive. If you want better acceleration but the upper Panamera trims are a little out of your reach, look to the Panamera 4 or 4S, both of which offer slightly better acceleration thanks to improved, all-wheel drive grip. Porsche’s Sport Chrono package, which is available for about $1,500, also improves performance by providing launch control – a system that helps the Panamera accelerate more quickly off the line.
Despite all of its performance, reviewers do have one minor gripe with the Panamera. More than one test driver has mentioned that the transmission in the Panamera can hesitate under sudden acceleration, an issue that was most apparent in the Panamera 4S.
According to the EPA, the V6-powered Panamera and Panamera 4 get 18/27 and 18/26 mpg city/highway, respectively. The Panamera S and 4S both manage 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Panamera Turbo is slightly less efficient, delivering 15/23 mpg city/highway fuel economy. Fuel averages for the S Hybrid and Turbo S models are not yet available, but when they are, we’ll bring them to you.
"Passing performance is solid, and the car goes on to a top speed of 160 mph, which is more than anyone except autobahn-storming Germans will ever need."
"Normal acceleration from a stop is smooth. When flooring the gas from a stop, test AWD V8 models suffered from a brief hesitation followed by a couple of jerking motions within the first 50 feet. This was not an issue with V6 versions. Normally, the car starts off in second gear. If you floor the throttle from a stop, the transmission takes a moment to shift down to first before the car launches, and then there's a driveline jerk or two either due to clutch engagement, gear shifts, or center differential lockup."
"Power can be served up with muscle-car wallops or in measured increments. The PDK transmission fires off gearchanges with urgency when pedaling the accelerator hard, or with fluid transitions when cruising leisurely down the highway."
"The only transmission available in the Panamera (at least on this side of the Atlantic) is Porsche's seven-speed, "PDK" dual-clutch automatic. It's a marvelous transmission with a manual shifting function and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. It's so quick and fun to operate that only driving purists will consider it a comedown from a traditional stick shift."
"Where the transmission wasn't as good as some was in reading my mind, kicking down at the most appropriate time without my having to resort to the shift buttons on the steering wheel. To be fair, modern transmissions are designed to adapt to one's driving style, and the gearbox and I didn't have much time to get to know each other."
Handling and Braking
Not many super luxury cars can match the 2011 Porsche Panamera in terms of handling, and reviewers have taken notice. If you’re expecting the Panamera to corner like a Porsche 911 or Boxster, you may be let down, but the automotive press generally agrees that the Panamera is lighter on its feet than anything else with four doors. They’re particularly impressed with V6 models, which are lighter and seem even more athletic in the corners. One reviewer even drove the Panamera 4 through snow and ice, and reported that the all-wheel drive Porsche held traction exceptionally well in those inclement conditions.
An adjustable suspension, similar to that found on the Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series, is featured on the Panamera. Reviewers say that the suspension’s “Comfort” setting is firmer than what’s found on those rivals. But the Panamera will also alter its suspension settings on its own if driver behavior changes. For example, the car will switch from Comfort to “Sport” if the driver accelerates quickly. The standard brakes on the Panamera are considered extraordinary by the automotive press. For even more stopping power, the Panamera can be equipped with optional ceramic brakes. But most reviewers think it’s unnecessary since the standard ones are so good.
"For luxury-sedan drivers who prefer pace over highway poise, the Panamera is the perfect tool. It actually rides quite well, too, if you opt for the $3980 adaptive air suspension."
"Switch to Sport mode and the suspension firms further to provide sporty handling, but the Panamera, at least with the V8, feels too large and heavy to really feel sports-car agile. Due to their lower curb weights, V6 models feel more nimble, driving like smaller cars than they really are. Strong brakes provide impressive stopping power."
"Steering is precise and handling is comparable to much smaller sports cars."
"The rear-drive Panamera feels like a different car. From the first turn it felt lighter, more tossable and more fun. You won't mistake it for a V-8, but the driveline and a liberal stability control setting let you slide the rear end about in ways the Panamera 4 never could. It's enough to provide this lesser-powered version with a bit of fun, even in normal driving."
"I drove my test car in significant snow and ice and found it remarkably sure-footed. That's partly because when the Panamera is starting off at a normal rate of speed (as opposed to screechingly fast), the transmission almost instantly shifts into second gear to save fuel. This, plus the intelligent all-wheel-drive system, keeps the tires from losing traction, as often happens in performance cars during winter driving."
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