Remarkably smooth and responsive, its exhaust note a muted, oily snarl, the Panamera 4S' engine might just be the best V-6 in the world- MotorTrend
2017 Porsche Panamera Engine and Transmission
The entry-level Porsche Panamera gets a 3.0L turbo V6 engine that churns out 330 hp and 331 lb-ft. of torque. The 4S trim upgrades to a 2.9L twin-turbo V8 engine for an output of 440 hp and 405 lb-ft. of torque. That's plenty of power for people who love going fast. All models come with Porsche's excellent 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The power is driven to rear wheels as standard while the AWD system is available.
But, the Executive models come standard with the AWD system only. What's impressive about this engine is the fact that this car's total torque is available at just 1,340 RPM. That means when you prop the throttle, the power is always there. The dual-clutch automatic provides seamless and quick shifts to deliver that power. The sports exhaust system crackles and snarls when you rev harder. It really just encourages you to drive it faster.
Models |
2017 Porsche Panamera |
2017 BMW 7 Series |
2017 Audi A8 |
2017 Jaguar XJ |
MSRP |
$85,000 |
$81,500 |
$82,500 |
$74,400 |
Engine |
3.0L Turbo V6 |
3.0L Turbo Inline-6 |
3.0L Supercharged V6 |
3.0L Supercharged V6 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
RWD |
AWD |
RWD |
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
Power |
330 hp @ 5,400 RPM |
320 hp @ 5,500 RPM |
333 hp @ 5,300 RPM |
340 hp @ 6,500 RPM |
Torque |
331 lb-ft. @ 1,340 RPM |
332 lb-ft. @ 1,380 RPM |
325 lb-ft. @ 2,900 RPM |
332 lb-ft. @ 3,500 RPM |
Making slightly more power than the Panamera, the Jaguar XJ is the most inexpensive option in this competition. The Audi A8 is similarly powered as the Panamera and is the only car here with a standard AWD system. Also, both these cars use a supercharger meaning there is no lag and power delivery is consistent. On the other hand, the BMW 7 Series uses a turbocharged engine like the Panamera but is a bit less powerful.
2017 Porsche Panamera Acceleration
Because this is a Porsche, performance is paramount. The entry-level Panamera making 330 horses is punchy enough to jump from 0-60 MPH in 5 seconds while the quarter-mile mark is completed in 13.5 seconds with a top speed of 167 MPH. The more powerful 4S trim completes the same task in about 3.8 seconds only. That's really quick for a 4001-pound car.
However, speed lovers will definitely love the Panamera Turbo that can race to 60 MPH in flat 3 seconds. When you prod your foot on the throttle, you're not held back into your seat. Instead, you just effortlessly glide towards the horizon and in doing so pick up some extraordinary speed. The way this car picks up speed is nothing short remarkable.
Models
|
2017 Porsche Panamera
|
2017 BMW 7 Series
|
2017 Audi A8
|
2017 Jaguar XJ
|
0-60 MPH
|
5.0 sec
|
5.4 sec
|
5.6 sec
|
5.5 sec
|
Quarter Mile
|
13.5 sec
|
13.8 sec
|
14.1 sec
|
14.0 sec
|
Engine
|
3.0L
|
3.0L
|
3.0L
|
3.0L
|
Top Speed
|
167 MPH
|
155 MPH
|
155 MPH
|
155 MPH
|
The Panamera is the top contender in this segment and its low curb weight plays a key role. The athletic nature of the BMW 7 Series helps it to achieve good acceleration. Despite making more power, the Jaguar XJ does not outperform the Panamera but is quick enough to surpass the Audi A8 in both performance tests by a millisecond.
2017 Porsche Panamera Ride and Handling
When you are cruising, the Porsche Panamera is a class of its own. the ride comfort is remarkable on standard 19-inch wheels. It just glides effortlessly over bumps and potholes even on the larger 21-inch wheels. The optional adaptive air suspensions just smooth out the ride and never feels choppy. Despite an amazing ride quality, the Panamera can still thrill and delight in the corners.
The body control is taut when the vehicle speeds up. The way the Panamera corners is seriously impressive for a 4001-pound car. It seems to have all the grip in the world with the AWD system. The steering feels heavy and not particularly direct. It's fine but for a four-door sports car, the steering could be a little bit more feel and give a bit more feedback.
2017 Porsche Panamera Braking
The brakes in the Porsche Panamera are astounding. Every Panamera is fitted with 13.8-inch ventilated discs in the front and 13-inch ventilated discs at the back. These brakes are strong enough to halt this vehicle from 60-0 MPH in 113 feet. That's a decent braking distance for a car of this size. These brakes also come with a brake drying feature that helps to stop the car in panic situations especially when the brakes are wet.
They do not fade on repeated use and take about the same braking distance every time while testing. You can also upgrade to Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) for the best braking performance in this segment but that comes with a hefty price tag of $7,616. The brakes are soft and very responsive. The short and linear braking action tends to urge drivers to drive their Panamera at speed.
Models
|
2017 Porsche Panamera
|
2017 BMW 7 Series
|
2017 Audi A8
|
2017 Jaguar XJ
|
Brake Front
|
13.8 in
|
17.7 in
|
15.0 in
|
14.0 in
|
Brake Rear
|
13.0 in
|
14.5 in
|
14.0 in
|
12.8 in
|
Curb Weight
|
4,001 lbs
|
4,195 lbs
|
4,464 lbs
|
3,913 lbs
|
60-0 MPH
|
113 ft.
|
112 ft.
|
118 ft.
|
122 ft.
|
The BMW 7 Series is just ahead of the Panamera by one foot but still, that impressive as it weighs more comparatively. Despite being the bulkiest among the lot, the Audi A8 manages to score a decent braking distance. But, the brakes in the Jaguar XJ are weak and hence, take the longest braking distance.
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