Nothing compares to a Porsche Panamera. It divides the distinction between a grand tourer, a lithe sports sedan, and a huge luxury flagship. Over its 15 years on the market, the Panamera has excelled at balancing these varied roles, and the new third-generation model is the best one yet.
A host of new features accompanies its stunning new sheet metal. The interior is redesigned with a completely digital gauge cluster, a sleek centre console, and an updated infotainment system. The twin-turbo V-6 and V-8 engine options are updated to meet the latest European emissions standards. Hybrid versions now come with a larger battery and a more powerful electric motor. Active suspension is available for hybrids, while the base Panamera’s come with air springs and new adaptive dampers as standard.
Quick Specs: 2024 Porsche Panamera 4
- Engine: 2.9-Liter Twin-Turbo V-6
- Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch
- Output: 348 Horsepower / 368 Pound-Feet
- 0-60 MPH: 4.7 seconds (mfr.)
- Base Price: $111,795
- As-Tested Price: $142,240
The Panamera 4 features all-wheel drive, a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V-6 engine producing 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, marking slight improvements over the previous base model. This well-equipped tester, however, comes in at $142,240. But despite its strengths, the Panamera 4 might not be the best option in the lineup.
Porsche Panamera 4 Pros:
- Phenomenal Ride/Handling for Its Size
- Excellent Build Quality
- Everyday Usability
Porsche aimed to improve ride comfort and handling in this new Panamera, and the optional Active Ride suspension delivers the best of both worlds. However, the car offers an impressive balance even with the standard suspension. The Panamera 4 feels very much like a Porsche in the areas that count.
The ride quality in “Normal” mode rivals that of most luxury sedans, while “Sport” or “Sport Plus” modes transform the car’s handling, allowing it to perform far beyond expectations for its 4,374-pound weight. This is achieved without complex chassis hardware like active anti-roll bars. The new dampers adjust quickly, and the air springs do a great job without the floaty sensation typical of air suspension systems.
The steering is another standout feature. While not as textured as an old 911’s, the weight transitions smoothly and feels perfectly dialled in. The brakes, too, are exceptional, handling the car’s mass effortlessly, and the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres provide relentless grip.
Luxury and Comfort
Inside, the Porsche Panamera impresses as a luxury car. Despite the wide tyres—325/30ZR21 at the rear—the road noise is surprisingly low. In an era where many luxury cars feel increasingly less premium, the Panamera’s interior still feels as expensive as its price tag. The digital gauge cluster is one area where opinions may vary, as some may miss the traditional analogue tachometer.
Porsche Panamera 4 Cons:
- Feels Underpowered
- Expensive
- Missing Analog Tachometer
However, for all its strengths, the Panamera 4 lacks in one critical area: power. The engine, while smooth and torquey, doesn’t always deliver the punch you might expect, especially when driving in “Normal” mode. The 4.7-second 0-60 mph time looks good on paper, but in the real world, the car often feels slower than it should.
Switching to “Sport” mode helps by keeping the engine in its power band but at the cost of fuel efficiency. In real-world driving, particularly in traffic-heavy areas like New York, the Panamera can leave you wanting more immediate power. And on back roads, even when driven hard, it still doesn’t feel as quick as competitors like the BMW M850i, which offers a 523-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 for a lower base price.
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, priced just $6,300 more than the Panamera 4, offers a compelling alternative. Its hybrid system adds over 100 horsepower and pound-feet of torque, shaving 0.8 seconds off the 0-60 time. This is a worthwhile tradeoff for better fuel economy and the option for all-electric driving. The only question remains whether the extra weight of the hybrid setup affects the Panamera’s already impressive handling.
Thoughts
The 2024 Porsche Panamera is a superbly built luxury car that delivers on the brand’s performance heritage. Its ride and handling are exceptional, and it feels as premium as you’d expect. However, the Panamera 4’s lack of power relative to its price point is a notable downside. For those considering this model, the E-Hybrid variant may be a more attractive option, offering better performance and efficiency for a modest price increase.
