The Panamera S is the mid-level, V8 version of Porsche’s BMW 7-series fighting Panamera large sedan. While the styling of the vehicle has been a matter of controversy since day one, its ability to carry four passengers in supreme comfort while providing a level of performance belying its size is indisputable.
The Panamera S is powered by a 4.8-liter V8 mated to a slick-shifting double-clutch gearbox Porsche affectionately dubs the Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (or PDK for non-Germans). With the engine producing 400 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque, the car is capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in 5.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 175 mph.
For those times when forward progress becomes entirely too rapid, the Panamera S features six-piston aluminum monobloc fixed-calipers with brake discs measuring 14.17 inches in diameter in front, while at the rear four-piston aluminum monobloc fixed-calipers with brake discs measuring 12.99 inches help slow things down.
Inside, the Panamera S has an elegant leather-trimmed interior with a high center console that is easy to decipher despite the plethora of buttons. The instrument panel is comprised of five circular gauges with the tachometer in the middle, much like in the 911, and the ignition lock is placed to the left of the steering wheel. The standard navigation system is controlled via a seven-inch touchscreen on the center console.
As with all Porsche models, the Panamera S offers a wide range of options for those willing to pay extra.
Adaptive sport seats with 18-way electric adjustment are available as an option for the front occupants and offer firmer upholstery and even more lateral support. Adaptive sport seats and comfort seats at the rear with a wide range of electrical adjustment are available as an option, as well.
Those in warm climates might consider the four-zone climate control system and ventilated seats.
Handling can be enhanced with the selection of one of two suspension management technologies, each bundled with an air suspension system.
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM varies damper forces in an perpetually active process and adjusts the dampers to road conditions and the driver’s style of driving. Incorporating adaptively controlled dampers with infinite adjustment of damper forces, PASM allows the driver to choose among three control maps – Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.
Alternatively, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is a system that works to almost completely offset body roll in curves, helping to ensure agility and an optimum balance. PDCC comes bundled with the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) system, which is designed to help improve both driving dynamics and the stability of the car. The system serves to variably spread out drive forces on the rear wheels and incorporates an electronically controlled rear axle differential.
As a function of the steering angle and steering speed, the position of the gas pedal, the yaw rate and the speed of the car, PTV Plus applies the brakes slightly on the inner rear wheel as soon as the driver turns the steering wheel, thus passing on higher drive forces to the outer rear wheel in a curve and generating an additional turning movement in the desired direction.
Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering is also an option. At high speeds, Servotronic keeps the steering firm and taut, ensuring precise steering maneuvers. At low speeds, Servotronic increases the power assistance, making maneuvering in the parking lot smooth and easy.
For those who want arrestingly powerful brakes, there are the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) featuring brake calipers finished in yellow. These race-inspired high performance brake discs measure 15.35 inches (390 millimeters) in diameter at the front and 13.78 inches at the rear.
Two separate audio systems are available as options.
The “entry level” audio upgrade is a BOSE Surround Sound system developed specifically for Panamera. A total of 14 loudspeakers, a 200-watt active subwoofer as well as nine amplifier channels ensure a truly impressive aural experience. Overall output is 585 watts.
True audiophiles will opt for the Burmester sound system. Also developed specifically for the Panamera, the system has more than 372 square inches of speaker surface area that offers a dynamic sound experience comparable to a live concert. The 16 loudspeakers controlled by 16 separate amplifier channels create an overall output of more than 1,000 watts, rounded off by an active subwoofer with a 300-watt class-D amplifier.
Finally, two option packages are available that bundle together some of the previously mentioned stand alone options.
The premium package combines PASM, 14-way power seats with memory, heated seats front and rear, a heated steering wheel, Servotronic steering, a ParkAssist front and rear proximity warning system, and a lane-change alert system.
The premium plus package starts with the items from the premium package and adds a rearview camera, rear side window sunscreens, and a rear window sunscreen.
The Panamera S comes equipped with eight airbags, including dual front, side-impact and curtain airbags. Knee airbags are integrated into the lower part of the instrument panel and hold back the lower body of the driver and front passenger in a head-on collision.
Key Competitors
The Panamera squares up against the stalwarts of the large luxury sedan segment, including the BMW 7-Series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8. Still, its perhaps most directly comparable to sportier four-doors like the Jaguar XJ and the Maserati Quattroporte S.