Among Porsche's offerings, the Porsche Panamera is often overlooked by purists, but it's a perfect choice for drivers who value both Porsche's brand heritage, everyday usability, and performance because the Panamera Turbo is no slouch. Despite being a heavy sedan, it ranks up there with Porsche's best-performing cars as it has the German automaker's dynamism DNA and is well-engineered to fit the shoes of a high-performance sedan rivaling others such as the BMW M5, Audi RS-7, and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Compared to these, it's a more refined option for buyers seeking a bit of subtleness as it doesn't have the rowdiness you'd find, for example, in the E63 AMG. The Porsche Panamera Turbo's design screams business executive, and so does the interior. It's comfortable to be in as the driver or passenger in any of the seats, exemplifying its all-round usability. Under the hood, 493-620 horses, depending on the model year, ensure you drop off the kids at school and make it to that business meeting you're hoping to arrive on time. Can it be really that capable? This Porsche Panamera Turbo Review takes you on a ride to discover a car that has sometimes been described as a badge-engineered compromise.
The year is 2009, and Porsche shocked the motoring world by unveiling their first sedan at the Shanghai Motor Show. Sure, there had been other concepts in the past, such as the 1960s 911-based sedan and the Porsche 989, but the Panamera actually made it into production, and for some reason, it didn't look out of place in the Porsche lineup. The Porsche Panamera Turbo was among the early production trims debuting with a 4.8-liter V8 alongside the Panamera S, Panamera 4S, and Panamera Turbo S. However, the 4.8-liter V8 in the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Turbo S had a twin-turbocharged instead of a single turbo in other V8-powered variants. For its first generation of production, the Porsche Panamera Turbo was assembled at the Volkswagen Group Facility in Hannover. Porsche switched locations for the second generation Panamera produced from 2016 to 2023, making the Panamera Turbo at the Porsche plant in Leipzig alongside other variants but with an updated 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. Porsche revised the Panamera lineup in 2020, retiring the Panamera Turbo while keeping the Porsche Panamera Turbo S and other Turbo variants alive. 2017 marked a turning point with the introduction of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, which integrates an electric motor into the drivetrain while still retaining the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.
Being a sedan doesn't mean that Porsche compromised one bit on the Porsche Panamera Turbo's driving dynamics, and it even speaks for itself in the name. It might not be as fast as some competitors, but it proves a sedan can be fast and fun to drive. Before 2013, the Panamera Turbo had a 493-horsepower 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8, sending power to all four wheels through Porsche's 7-speed PDK transmission. It could launch from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 188 mph, impressive for a vehicle weighing north of 4,500 pounds. In 2013, the Panamera Turbo received a refresh, refining its design and bumping up its power to 513 horsepower while maintaining its stellar performance figures. 2016 saw a new generation unveiled, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 used across the Volkswagen AG Group flagship cars. Despite being smaller, it made 541 horsepower and was still all-wheel-drive like its predecessor, but now with an 8-speed PDK transmission transferring power to the wheels. Porsche claimed a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and 3.7 seconds with the Sport Chrono package and a top speed of 190 mph. The improved performance of the second-generation Panamera Turbo can be attributed in part to its reduced weight, tipping the scales at approximately 4,400 pounds.
Being a trim in Porsche's flagship sedan lineup, the Porsche Panamera Turbo blends the opulence and comfort of a luxury sedan with driver-focused elements typical of 911. The whole point of making a sedan is to offer buyers a more practical option beyond having rear seats in Porsche's sports cars, hence the ample headroom and legroom in the Porsche Panamera Turbo. Porsche went the extra mile and installed rear captain-style bucket seats in the second row instead of regular bench seats, providing better support and comfort. High-quality leather, carbon fiber, and aluminum were used throughout the Panamera Turbo's production, creating an atmosphere that is not highly luxury-appointed and, at the same time, not raw as you'd find, for example, in a 911 GT3. Heated, cooled, and ventilated seats were standard across all model years, and for some model years, buyers could get optional massaging seats for the first and second rows.
All through, the Porsche Panamera Turbo remained one of the best-looking luxury sedans. Its not-so-shouting design incorporates subtle design elements and curves flowing as smoothly as its presence is cruising on the highway. Its wide track, muscular fenders, and low stance give it an unmistakable appeal, yet it blends into regular traffic so easily that you can only see it if you know what it is. Up front, Porsche retained the Panamera Turbo design, keeping it minimalistic with headlights and fog lights integrated into the vents on the lower corners of the front bumper. The side profile is the best angle from which to view the car, as the Porsche Panamera Turbo's long wheelbase is elegantly proportioned, with lines flowing seamlessly from front to rear. On the rear end, minimalism prevails again across the two Panamera Turbo Generations. All that's eye-catching are the taillights, connected via an LED strip in post-2017 models, and quad-tip exhausts. But at the command of speed or the driver's wish, an active wing arises almost from the depths, actively adjusting depending on aerodynamic requirements.
Ever since it was first produced, the Porsche Panamera Turbo has had a host of tech-oriented offerings, making it easier to drive, comfortable, and safer to be in. Adaptive Cruise Control is one of the features carried through its production span, coming in handy during long trips. Newer model years have adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, which makes daily commutes a bliss. Other driver assist features you'll likely find across all or most Porsche Panamera Turbo model years include lane change assist with lane departure warning, night vision assist, and a surround-view camera system. One of the best features the Porsche Panamera Turbo debuted with is a navigation display integrated into the instrument cluster alongside the clock face dials. It makes it easier to use onboard navigation than on the infotainment display, which didn't have the best response before the 2013 facelift. As technology advanced, more features were added to the Porsche Panamera Turbo's suite of tech features, including Porsche's InnoDrive, which actively adjusts speed and steering for optimal driving comfort.
In the market for a Porsche Panamera Turbo? You can get the first generation with the 4.8-liter V8, averaging around $30,000, or the second generation Panamera Turbo, which averages around $80,000. The first gen offers an affordable entry point to the high-performance cars world, but the second generation boasts advanced technology and refinement and has better performance, hence its higher price tag. But regardless of preference, the decision on which Panamera Turbo to buy comes down to your budget. Wondering where to shop for a Porsche Panamera? Look no further. Exotic Car Trader has you covered. We boast a wide variety of Porsche Panamera listings, and if your heart desires a different Porsche while you're exploring, fear not! Our comprehensive Porsche listings have something for every Porsche enthusiast.
The Porsche Panamera Turbo might not be the first name that comes to mind when considering high-performance sedans, but it shouldn't be overlooked. While some Porsche purists might scoff, it offers a unique blend of practicality, comfort, and thrilling performance that rivals the best in its class. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! The Porsche Panamera Turbo is a car that defies expectations, seamlessly blending everyday practicality with exhilarating performance and luxurious comfort. It's a unique Porsche experience for those who appreciate a thrilling drive and a touch of subtlety.
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