There is nothing like a Porsche. What started as a small motor vehicle consulting firm in Stuttgart, Germany has become a major player on the world. The Porsche name is at the top of the list for many who desire something special.
While Porsche has earned this reputation mainly because of its iconic 911, they now offer a full range of premium automobiles.
Despite protests from purists, the new and larger vehicles have quickly become the brand’s top sellers. These include the Cayenne SUV and four-door “coupe” Panamera.
With these cars’ popularity prove that a viable market exists for a high performance luxury sedan, Porsche has decided to give the Panamera a small refresh and expand the line for 2014. The additions are Porsche’s first ever plug-in hybrid, the Panamera S E-Hybrid, and two luxurious Executive versions of the 4S and Turbo models.
Design
The main reason why Panamera upset many Porsche enthusiasts is that is design breaks away from Porsche’s signature formula.
While all 911’s have been light, two-door coupes with the engine mounted behind the rear axle, the Panamera is much larger, has four doors and its engine is up front. Besides, many of us have not yet warmed up to the unusual design of this car.
Even owners of past Panamera models can be excused if they fail to spot the cosmetic differences between the 2013 and the 2014.
Following Porsche traditions, styling changes have been evolutionary rather than revolutionary.
At the front, the air intakes are larger and the headlights have more sweeping design and also feature LED’s.
The biggest changes occur at the back, however. The rear hatch has been revised with a larger window on a steeper rake.
This helps smooth out the car’s silhouette. The spoiler is also wider, licence plate holder is lower, and the LED taillights are more pronounced.
Modern Porsches have become class-leaders for interior style and quality. No longer are they sports cars with sparse accommodations.
The Panamera’s cockpit is very driver focused but other occupants will be comfortable indeed, especially in the stretched Executive models.
In regards to the Executive versions, the wheelbase is extended 15 cm over the others. These models are the equivalent to flying in business class on the most prestigious airline.
Performance
When you look at the Panamera’s engine options, you realize just how much performance this luxury four-door coupe offers. Even the base model boasts more than 300 horsepower.
The entry-level engine, found in the Panamera and Panamera 4, is a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 which produces 310 hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque. This is capable of hauling the rear-wheel drive cars from zero to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds; 6.1 seconds in all-wheel drive trim.
Stepping up to the S/4S models sees a drop in displacement to 3.0-litres, but the addition of two turbos. Through clever engineering, the “downsizing” increases horsepower to 420 hp and decreases fuel consumption 18%.
The GTS model retains the 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V8. A new air induction system helps produce 440 hp and 384 ft-lbs of torque.
The two top-of-the-line Turbo models also have a 4.8-litre V8, but add two turbos. The turbochargers are mounted parallel, one for each cylinder bank, and the cooler air boosts horsepower to 520 and torque to 516.3 ft-lbs.
The new comer to the range, the S E-Hybrid, is a parallel plug-in hybrid. This means it can run on its 3.0-litre supercharged V6, which generates 333 hp, or its electric motor producing 95 hp, or both, combining for 416 hp. The lithium-ion battery can be recharged in about 4 hours while plugged in or can recuperate some electricity while driving through brake energy recovery or the combustion engine.
Driving the new S E-Hybrid is not much of a departure from the traditional Panamera’s. It will rocket to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds, but even under hard acceleration, it doesn’t make much noise. Also, the steering and brakes are not quite as razor sharp, mostly due to their regenerative responsibilities.
All models, except the hybrid, come with Porsche’s seven-speed PDK transmission, which is lightning quick. The S E-Hybrid comes with an eight-speed tiptronic S gearbox.
They all come with selectable driving modes. Normal mode is comparatively softer and more comfortable. Selecting Sport mode quickens the throttle response and tightens the suspension. On equipped models, the Sport Plus mode takes everything to the next level, but is only recommended for warm, dry roads.
One thing to be aware of when driving the Panamera is that it is a long car, especially in the Executive trim. To maintain a sporty appearance, Porsche used smaller side mirrors which make reversing and parking difficult.
At the end of the day, the Panamera doesn’t drive as “crisp” as a typical Porsche coupe but it definitely has more character and sporty intentions than such vehicles as the BMW 6-series and Audi A7.
Environment
Inside, a similar theme to the exterior styling was used. The evolutionary approach and minor alterations should make current owners feel at home. The centre console is the command zone and is full of buttons. A touchscreen, set higher on the dash, also remains.
From the driver’s position, all the important information is clearly displayed in Porsche’s signature five gauge panel. Sticking with tradition, a large tachometer takes centre stage. The S E-Hybrid gets minor tweaks, namely bright green needles and an efficiency gauge replacing the speedometer.
The rear seat in standard wheelbase models is designed to comfortably seat someone who is 6’4”. There is only two seats in the back, but both passengers have a lot of room. For those who feel they need to offer more space and luxury to their rear passengers, they should look into the Executive models, as they add 15 more cm of legroom.
Features
The Panamera ranges in price from $89,500 for the base model up to $184,100 for the Turbo Executive.
Standard equipment includes auto start stop function, power liftgate, sunroof, heated exterior mirrors, 7-inch colour display, navigation, heated front seats, Homelink, and Bluetooth.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include heated rear seats, ventilated seats, rearview camera, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, and adaptive cruise control.
Fuel efficiency numbers for the base model are (L/100km) 11.6 city, 7.4 highway and 9.7 combined.
Thumbs Up
This car is spectacular out on the open road and is a great choice for a long journey. Its driving dynamics make it just as fun as any smaller sports car but the Panamera offers more comfort and passenger space.
Thumbs Down
The Panamera isn’t for everyone. It truly is a Porsche and being low, long and wide makes it hard to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces.
The Bottom Line
The 2014 Panamera is for someone who seek Porsche performance but needs an extra two seats and likes a big, luxurious car.
Competitors
- Audi A7: The Audi A7 line-up, including the sporty S7 and high-performance RS7, has been called “rolling sculptures,” and it’s obvious these cars have good looks. But they’re also practical with standard Quattro AWD and the turbo diesel engine is very fuel efficient. Base model A7’s are relatively economical with a starting price of $70,400, and the top-of-the-line RS7 starts at a reasonable $115,000.
- Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: Like Porsche, Mercedes-Benz combines style, performance, and exclusivity into all of its cars. The CLS-Class is certainly a head turner, but the 402 hp in the base model CLS550, or the 577 hp in the CLS63 AMG S-model, won’t keep this Merc in view for long. The CLS-Class has a starting price of $85,000 and goes up to $122,250.
- BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe: While BMW’s 5 and 7 series sedans offer more practicality, the 6 series models are more about style and image. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe has a base price of $87,900.
