2017 Porsche Panamera

Safe to say, it is one of the rather lengthier redesigns the car has witnessed since its inception in 2009. All the improved goodies does push up the price by a fair bit. The 2017 Porsche Panamera can be yours for a starting price of $85,000. The price tag might seem rather hefty but a brief moment on the driver seat is all you will need to have a change of thought.

The 2017 Porsche Panamera is available with a long list of various configurations. There are RWD, AWD and even hybrid trims on offer. There are even trims like the Panamera Executive which aims to lure in the rear seated patrons with an enhanced rear legroom.

The range starts at $85,000 for the base Panamera trim and goes up all the way to $160,000 for the Panamera turbo executive. The engines on offer varies from a V6, a twin turbo V6 with electric motors to a full-fledged V8 motor. The transmission on offer with all the variants is an 8-speed auto shifter that has been recently developed and implemented the vehicle.

Trims	Panamera	Panamera 4	Panamera 4 Executive	Panamera 4S	Panamera 4S Executive
MSRP	$85,000	$89,600	$96,300	$99,900	$113,900
Features	LED headlights Panoramic sunroof Power hatchback trunklid Two-way adaptive rear spoiler Front and rear parking sensors Rearview camera Driver-seat memory settings Dual-zone automatic climate control 12.3-inch touchscreen  10-speaker audio system	Features Same as Panamera Plus: All Wheel Drive System	Features Same as Panamera Plus: Extended Wheelbase	The Panamera 4S keeps the all-wheel-drive powertrain, Twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 (440 hp, 405 lb-ft) Unique dual exhaust system	Features Same as Panamera 4 Executive Plus: Twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 (440 hp, 405 lb-ft) Unique dual exhaust system

Where the previous Panamera demonstrated good performance, ride and handling characteristics, the new 2017 Panamera Turbo makes the old car seem like a relic- KBB

Engine and Transmission

The on-duty engine on the Panamera sedan is a 3.0L V6 motor paired to an 8-speed auto shifting gearbox. The engine churns out 330 hp and 331 lb-ft torque. The car has never been a dud in this department and it has only improved through the ages to provide an even more scintillating experience than before

Models	Porsche Panamera	BMW 740i Sedan	Audi A8 L	Jaguar XJ
MSRP	$85,000	$81,500	$82,500	$74,400
Engine	3.0L V6	3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-Cylinder Engine	3.0-Liter TFSI 6-Cylinder Engine	3.0-liter Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded V-6
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	330 hp	320 hp	333 hp	340hp
Torque	331 lb-ft	330 lb-ft	325 lb-ft	332 lb.-ft

On paper with rivals, it fares similar to most of them. All the cars in the segment are almost equal in terms of engine power with the Jaguar XJ at the top with a 10 hp lead over the 330 hp Panamera.

Acceleration

Since the Panamera bears the Porsche badge, it has to do justice to the sports car badge and it does so without breaking into a sweat. The car lunges forward from a standstill when the pedal is pushed to the floor. The entire experience is dramatic enough to provide you with the thrills while still being comfortable enough to keep the passengers untroubled.

In comparison with rivals, the Panamera stands at equal pegs with all its rivals by completing a 0-60 mph dash in under 5.4 seconds. The Audi A8 is the only slightly slower vehicle at 5.5 seconds.

Models	Porsche Panamera	BMW 740i Sedan	Audi A8 L	Jaguar XJ
0-60 MPH	5.4 sec	5.4 sec	5.5 sec	5.4 sec
Quarter mile	N/A	13.4 sec	13.8 sec	14 sec
Engine	3.0L	3.0L	3.0L	3.0L

Ride and Handling

Handling of the Panamera is confidence inspiring to say the least. The car aspires to be the family oriented 911 sports car with its low slung height and low rooflines that goes a long way in providing it with a very neutral center of gravity. The car zooms past corners as awe-inspiring speeds while hugging the ground.

The Porsche Panamera is everything a driver could ask from a full-sized sedan and much more.

Braking

When it comes to braking, the Porsche Panamera features a set of 13.8-inch rotors in the front and a set of 13-inch rotors on the rear. Although the official 60-0 mph data is unavailable at the moment you can expect the car the perform similar, if not better than most of the car in the segment.

Model	Porsche Panamera	BMW 740i Sedan	Audi A8 L	Jaguar XJ
Brake Front (in.)	13.8	17.7	15.0	14
Brake Rear (in.)	13.0	14.5	14.0	12.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4001	4195	4464	3891
60-0 MPH (ft.)	N/A	112	118	122

With the rising pollution and global fuel prices, the emphasis on the fuel economy is greater than ever. The Porsche Panamera does a decent job by providing a modest fuel economy of 24 mpg combined.

Model	Porsche Panamera	BMW 740i Sedan	Audi A8 L	Jaguar XJ
MPG (city)	21	21	19	18
MPG (highway)	28	29	29	27
MPG (combined)	24	24	22	21

In comparison with rivals, the BMW 740i stands right next to the Panamera. While on the other hand, both Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ lag behind the group leaders in terms of economy.

"The 2017 Panamera's dashboard is an inviting combination of old and new. Porsche's classic five circular gauges of 911 fame are arrayed in front of the driver, including a sporty, center-mounted tachometer"-Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The Panamera is not only a driver's delight but it also offers a similar experience to the passengers in search of rear seat luxury. Although the exact space data is not available at the moment but you can expect the front seat of the car to be sufficiently spacious. The story on the rear end space in non-executive trims can potentially be the cause of disappointment to some.

Model	Porsche Panamera	BMW 740i Sedan	Audi A8 L	Jaguar XJ
Passenger capacity	4	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	N/A	39.9/59.2/41.4	37.2/59.1/41.4	39.5/57.6/41.5
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	N/A	38.9/57.7/44.4	39.1/57.8/42.9	37.2/56.6/38.9

Infotainment System

The MMI on the Panamera is laden with screens from the left to the right. There are two 7.0 inch screens around the tachometers that can be configured to display a whole range of various driving-related information. The infotainment duties are done by a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with all modern connectivity including apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Performance wise, the entire MMI is top notch but one can't help but notice the uncannily big dependence on touchscreens everywhere.

Interior Features

Interior features on the Porsche Panamera include

• Two 7 inch driving info screens
• 12.3-inch infotainment screen
• Leather upholstery
• 8-way adjustable front seats.

Cargo Capacity

Since Porsche advertises the Panamera as a grand tourer, the cargo capacity is also a big part of the whole package. The carmaker has certainly paid attention to the luggage compartment by providing a generous 17.4 ft space behind the rear seats. When the rear seats are folded, there are a wholesome 46.0 ft of space available for luggage.

Model	Porsche Panamera	BMW 740i Sedan	Audi A8 L	Jaguar XJ
Cargo Volume to rear seat up (ft.3)	17.4	18.2	14.2	15.2
Cargo Volume to rear seat folded (ft.3)	46.0	N/A	N/A	N/A

In comparison, the BMW 740i sedan is the only one amongst the rivals to feature a bigger luggage setup at 18.2 ft behind the rear seats.

"Porsche’s Panamera sports sedan for 2017 shares not a single panel with the outgoing model, yet it is immediately recognizable. The hood and front fascia are squared up a bit, with stronger character lines to make the Panamera a bit more menacing​"​​​​​​KBB

Dimensions and Weight

The Porsche Panamera is a hefty vehicle, weighing in at around 4001 lbs. The car used to have a long hanging rear end in its earlier generation but it now features a more compact setup than ever with a length of 198.8 inches. However, it is still the widest amongst its rivals at 76.3 inches.

Model	Porsche Panamera	BMW 740i Sedan	Audi A8 L	Jaguar XJ
Curb weight (lbs.)	4001	4195	4464	3891
Length(in)	198.8	206.6	207.3	202
Width(in)	76.3	74.8	76.7	74.8
Height(in)	56.0	58.2	57.9	57.5
Ground clearance (in)	6.4	5.8	4.9	6.3
Wheelbase (in)	116.1	126.4	122.9	119.4
Track width (in) F/R	65.8/65.0	63.5/64.6	64.7/64.4	64/63.1

Amongst rivals, the Audi A8 sedan is the longest in the segment at 207.3 inches. On the other hand, its the BMW 740i sedan with the longest wheelbase in the segment at 126.4 inches.

Exterior Features

The list of few key exterior features on the 2017 Porsche Panamera sedan includes:

• Signature taillights and headlights
• Multi-Spoke alloy wheels
• Sunroof
• Quad exhausts

Being the flagship Porsche sedan, the Panamera is loaded with a host of safety features to ensure that the passengers remain unhurt in case of a mishap. Although none of the crash testing agencies have tested the vehicle you can expect a rock solid and sturdy build quality with the use of expensive and solid sheet metal all around.

• Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• ParkAssist Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• ABS and Driveline Traction Control
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Outboard Front Lap and Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
• Back-Up Camera
• Rear Child Safety Locks

IIHS and NHTSA not rated

BMW 740i vs Porsche Panamera

The BMW 740i sedan is the flagship sedan from the BMW stables. The car features an almost business class like styling with sharp lines and a no frills look almost synonymous with all the other German limos. The story remains the same when it comes to the interior with a straightforward approach to styling that enhances the usability as a whole.

When it comes to choosing the better driver oriented car, the Panamera wins. But, when it comes to choosing a more luxury and passengers oriented car, the BMW is still some way ahead of the Panamera.

Audi A8 vs Porsche Panamera

The Audi A8, just like the other BMW 740i, is the flagship offering from Audi. The car features a one of the better set of interiors seen in cars in its segment. The styling is minimalistic, to say the least, and relies on its ability to blend with the crowd which is not necessarily a bad characteristic. The engines on offer appear powerful on paper but fall behind rivals in real life.

When it comes to rear seat luxury, the A8 is still slightly ahead of the Panamera. But, the Panamera still retains its top spot as a driver car.

Jaguar XJ vs Porsche Panamera

The Jaguar XJ brings to the table, a taste of British craftsmanship. The car is not too tech-heavy but rather features luxury elements from a bygone era that add to the appeal of the car. The interior quality and all the hand stitched elements add a lot of pizzazz to the overall car.

The XJ, just like the Panamera, offers a lot more driver involvement that other limos in the segment but still falls behind the Panamera which still manages to be the enthusiast fav car.

The Porsche Panamera in its 2017 guise is perhaps the best it has been in a long time. The all new rear end with futuristic lights and appropriate dimension corrects a lot of what was wrong with the outgoing model. There was never a complaint regarding the performance aspect of the vehicle and it has only been enhanced in the 2017 variant. Overall, if you want a driver centric limo, the Panamera is as good as they come.