Why does everyone think they need an SUV? Is it ground clearance? It’s really just a high center of gravity station wagon, which makes its handling inferior to that of a shorter car. For those who love to drive, and appreciate the fun a sports car can engender, there are several sedans, hatchbacks and smaller cars that have all the practicality and utility of an SUV, but offer great handling and often come with powerful engines. Case in point is the newest generation full-sized hatchback Porsche Panamera.
Even though the new generation of the Porsche Panamera doesn’t look that different from previous ones, significant changes to the interior and upgrades to the suspension and engine keep the Panamera a very relevant and desirable vehicle for those looking for the space and utility of a hatchback sedan, but still want a car that’s Porsche sporty and a lot of fun to drive.
Though not light at 4,419 pounds, it can get to 60 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds via an eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition to lots of power, it also handles very well for a car of its size and weight, especially in the selectable sport and sport + modes, offering flat cornering and impressive lateral grip. The seat belt even tightens up in hard cornering to hold you in place. In normal mode, it offers a smooth, almost luxury car ride if you or your passengers prefer. Though the Panamera’s steering is slightly overboosted at low speeds, it tightens up nicely at higher speeds and has rear axle steering and an available sport exhaust system. Active lane assist helps keep you in your lane.
Well equipped, the Panamera comes with a luxurious interior that includes heated and cooled well bolstered electrically adjustable front seats, sumptuous leather, Bose surround sound and a four-zone automatic climate control. The gauge cluster is digital and has the tachometer in the center, as all Porsches do, with the speedometer to the left and an information screen to the right, which includes coolant temperature and voltage, the current radio station or navigation depending on what the driver selects. An electrically adjustable optionally heated tilt/telescoping leather steering wheel is a nice size. Though it has auto engine shut off when you come to a stop, it can be defeated.
Visibility is good in all directions, including out of the rear sloped hatch, aided by a back-up camera and parking sensors. The back seat has plenty of leg and head room if the driver and passenger are not too tall. Two rear seat passengers are ensconced in well bolstered heated rear seats to prevent sliding during aggressive driving. Rear seat passengers even get their own air vents and ventilation controls; very comfortable. The rear seat folds down 40/20/40 to provide an incredible amount of cargo room, but even with the seats up, there’s a lot of cargo capacity, but it’s not too deep. A tonneau cover hides cargo when the rear seats are up. Cargo access is so much easier and the capacity to hold large objects so much better with the hatchback design over a regular trunk.
According to Ashwin Nash, sales consultant at Porsche St. Louis, “The Panamera is the only full-sized sedan from Porsche. It drives like a sports car even though it’s intended as a daily driver. The air suspension and PASM really help its handling; it straddles that fine line between comfort and sporty.”
Price: Base $111,800 including delivery; as driven with options $138,400
Gas mileage: 18 city, 25 highway
Drivetrain:
- Front engine
- All-wheel drive
- 2.9 litre twin-turbo V-6 engine
- 348 horsepower
- 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
Robert Paster (robertpaster.com) is also an attorney in private practice, concentrating in estate planning and probate.