Thanks: ERCAR MOTORS
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2023 Porsche Panamera
Starting at $93.850
Highs One fun family car, loads of performance, plenty of people room and cargo capacity.
Lows Options easily move the price tag into the stratosphere, fussy interior controls, hybrid model’s braking system could use refinement.
Verdict The Panamera is the Porsche 911 for people with kids who refuse to cave and buy a Cayenne SUV.
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
Panamera: $93,850
Panamera 4: $98,450
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid: $110,450
Panamera 4S: $112,350
Panamera GTS: $136,650
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.
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.
Read More www.caranddriver.com/porsche/...
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