2020 Porsche Panamera

It took about a decade for the Panamera to be accepted by stringent Porsche loyalists after it passed the test of fire and flames! In 2017 the Panamera Turbo set a record around the Nürburgring Nordschleife as the fastest 4-door sedan. It did better time than the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 and the Mercedes SLS AMG which is impressive considering the legacy that these cars have within the hearts of the people.

The 2020 Panamera is improved and better than its previous generations. It is underpowered when compared to the Panamera Turbo, but the sedan does hold its ground firm. This sedan is the best option for people that want performance like 911 but with family car practicality.

Panamera is now available in 2 trims options for 2020, the Base Trim and the 10 Year Edition Trim. There are various features that are now available as standard which do improve the overall appeal of the sedan. The 10-year edition commemorates 10 years of the Panamera and gets some exclusive features like Panamera10 badging. It boasts 21-inch SportDesign wheels in Satin White Gold Metallic.

Models	Panamera	Panamera 10 Year Edition
MSRP	$87,200	$103,300
Key Features	steel spring suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)	21-inch SportDesign wheels
	19-inch Panamera wheels	Panamera10 badging
	panoramic roof	LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+)
	rain-sensing wipers	14-way heated front seats with memory
	headed powered side mirrors	lane keep assist with lane change assist
	adaptive rear spoiler	traffic sign recognition
	dual-zone climate control	white gold interior stitching
	partial leather heated eight-way comfort seats	Bose 14-speaker audio
	instrument cluster with twin 7.0-inch configurable displays
	12.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and 10-speaker audio

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The Base Trim offers all the necessary features as standard with a reasonable MRSP to own a 4-door Porsche. The 10 year trim does not justify the asking price as there are only a few cosmetic changes compared to the Base Trim. 

Porsche's boxer engines speak volumes of the performance ability in their vehicles. The same is true for the V6 that are the powerhouses for their 4-door cars, be it a sedan or SUV. The 3.0L Turbocharged V6 pushes 330HP at 331lb-ft of torque which is enough to provide the Porsche thrill in everyday drive.

The Panamera gets the 8-Speed PDK transmission which is the Porsche Dual Clutch transmission. This transmission is one of the best available in the industry with optimized shifts and smooth operations. The steering-mounted paddle shifters do offer a sense of mechanical feel while driving which is responsive nonetheless.

Models	Porsche Panamera	Mercedes-Benz S Class	BMW 7-Series	Audi A8
MRSP	$87,200	$94,250	$89,450	$83,800
Engine	3.0 L turbocharged V6	3.0 L turbocharged V6	3.0L Inline 6-cylinder	3.0 L turbocharged V6
Transmission	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Horsepower(hp)	330 @ 5400 rpm	362 hp @ 5500 rpm	335 hp @ 5000 rpm	335 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque (lb-ft)	331 lb-ft @ 1340 rpm	369 ft-lbs. @ 1800 rpm	330 @ 1500 rpm	369 ft-lbs. @ 1370 rpm

The opposition is firm and all the vehicles are closely rivaled and with similar capacity and cylinders. These makers are known for their extraordinary motors and they sure demonstrate that. The Merc has the most elevated drive with the best optimization of its engine.

BMW and Audi make similar power but the torque differs tilting the balance slightly in favor of the Audi. Porsche proves to be the runt of the litter in terms of power figures.

Acceleration

Porsche intended the Panamera to be a premium luxury performance sedan to bridge the gap between practicality and power. The 8-speed PDK transmission mated to the V6 excels in getting this heavy hunk of metal accelerating to speeds of 60MPH in merely 5.4 seconds.

The time it takes to get moving might not sound impressive when compared to the GTS or the Turbo trims but trust us when we say this car pulls! It's amazing just being behind the steering wheel. Optimum performance to make everyday drives a little more fun and entertaining all the while pushing the car its limits.

Models	Porsche Panamera	Mercedes-Benz S Class	BMW 7-Series	Audi A8
0-60 MPH	5.4	5.4	4.8	5.8
Quarter mile	13.1	15.2	13.2	14.7
Engine	3.0 L turbocharged V6	3.0 L turbocharged V6	3.0L Inline 6-cylinder	3.0 L turbocharged V6
Emission (Tons/yr. of COM2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

As every one of these vehicles has 6 cylinders, the acceleration and power is governed by the tunning the engine. Beamer takes the crown home in this competition. Panamera and S-Class are matched in the 0-60 time, Porsche engineering at its finest ladies and gentleman.

Braking

It is obvious just by looking at the Panamera that it is a hefty car! Weight is a major concern while assessing braking capabilities in vehicles. The brake rotors and discs are best optimized for withstanding the punishment from the engine and controlling the velocity of the heavy frame.

The Panamera gets monobloc calipers with 6-piston along with 13.7inch ventilated discs in the front and 4-piston with 13inch ventilated discs in the rear. The rake construction is made in a single piece reducing weight and efficiently dissipating heat in cases of spirited driving. The pressure points are precise with non-existent pedal travel.

Models	Porsche Panamera	Mercedes-Benz S-Class	BMW 7-Series	Audi A8
Brake Front (in)	13.7	15.4	14.7	14.8
Brake Rear (in)	13	14.2	14.5	13.8
60-0 Stopping Distance (ft)	N/A	N/A	N/A	149 ft
Curb weight (lbs)	4157 lbs	4685 lbs.	4381	4751 lbs

Since the data is not available comparing these vehicles with each other will not be fair. Given the capabilities each one has, we expect them to perform well in this aspect.

How well does it handle?

Porsche made its name by offering one of the best cars to drive, handling, ride quality, and Panamera is no exception in this. It offers the comfort and luxury expected in such an expensive four-door hatchback. The sedan feels hunkered down and is engaging to drive when pushed hard.

The air suspension helps in body control and further enhances the ride quality. Panamera inspires confidence that it can go in the corner fast and it does. The steering is heavy and crisp and most importantly accurate. While driving it you’ll feel that this is a small car and not a 2-ton luxury saloon.

Fuel economy does not bore well with the high levels of performance. However, a light-footed drive on highways in the Panamera can return an impressive 27MPG. Those that have their inclinations towards fuel-efficiency and love the Porsche badge can opt for the hybrid version which is much frugal in comparison.

Models	Porsche Panamera	Mercedes-Benz S Class	BMW 7-Series	Audi A8
MPG (city)	19	18	20	19
MPG (highway)	27	28	28	27
MPG (combined)	22	22	23	22

BMW seems to have found the perfect balance between high performance and good fuel efficiency. The credit for this may go to the TwinScroll turbos in the BMW engines that supplement power and maintain fuel economy. All these vehicles in the list fail to impress in terms of fuel efficiency with marginally similar fuel efficiency figures. 

Since this is a luxury sedan then there is no shortage of beautiful and thoughtful interior options. Being a Porsche there is an extensive list of options as well to choose from, Upgrades include everything from massaging seats to leather-covered climate-control vents to a fire extinguisher.

Models	Porsche Panamera	Mercedes-Benz S Class	BMW 7-Series	Audi A8
Seating Capacity	4	5	4	5
Front (head/ shoulder/leg)(inch)	N/A	39.7/59.7/41.4	39.9/59.2/41.4	38.3/59.1/41.5
Rear (head/ shoulder/leg)(inch)	N/A	37.4/59.1/34.1	38.9/57.7/44.4	38.5/57.6/44.3

The more common options include the likes of ventilated seats, soft-close doors, four-zone automatic climate control, and a power-operated rear sunshade. One will appreciate the sports seats with 18-way adjustability and the fact that the seating position is low you will appreciate those adjustments even more plus you get a sports car feeling.

The features you that comes standard and optional include-

• 8-Way Power Seats -inc: front comfort seats w/8-way electric adjustment for seat height, seat angle, backrest angle and fore/aft position
• Bucket Front Seats
• Driver Seat
• Passenger Seat
• 40-20-40 Folding Bucket Front Facing Power Reclining Fold Forward Seatback Rear Seat w/Power Fore/Aft
• Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
• Compass
• Proximity Key For Push Button Start Only
• Valet Function
• Power Fuel Flap Locking Type
• Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter, Illuminated Entry, Illuminated Ignition Switch, and Panic Button
• Remote Releases -Inc: Power Cargo Access
• HomeLink Garage Door Transmitter
• Cruise Control
• Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
• HVAC -inc: Underseat Ducts, Residual Heat Recirculation, Headliner/Pillar Ducts, and Console Ducts
• Illuminated Locking Glove Box
• Driver Foot Rest
• Interior Trim -inc: Metal-Look/Piano Black Instrument Panel Insert, Metal-Look/Piano Black Door Panel Insert, Leather/Piano Black Console Insert and Metal-Look Interior Accents
• Full Cloth Headliner
• Leather Door Trim Insert
• Leather/Metal-Look Gear Shift Knob
• Partial Leather Seat Trim
• Day-Night Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
• Driver And Passenger Visor Vanity Mirrors w/Driver And Passenger Illumination and Illuminated Rear Visor Mirror
• Full Floor Console w/Covered Storage, Mini Overhead Console, Rear Console w/Storage, and 2 12V DC Power Outlets

There is no shortage of space and you feel while sitting. The interior is spacious even for taller drivers even the rear seat space is generous too and which can be further improved in longer executive models.

Infotainment

Infotainment is the heart of the Panamera from where you can control all your functions and of course listen to music. The sedan has a beautiful dash and in the center sits a 12.3-inch touchscreen, it looks attractive but is a handful to use which is a problem especially while driving. It has Apple CarPlay, navigation, and a wi-fi hotspot as standard but the menus are over complicated and Porsche could have made them a little more intuitive. Strangely, Android Auto and wireless phone charging aren’t available which is a bumper.

What about Cargo Space?

Being a sedan and of size this big it needs to be practical and one of the biggest tests of practicality is cargo space. How big is the boot? That question always comes forward whenever the functionality of a vehicle is discussed and there is a reason behind it. One doesn’t buy a luxury saloon to go to racing, they are day to day use vehicles and cargo space can be a big deal in that. But fear not as Panamera stands tall in this regard. The boot itself is big enough and the rear seats are foldable too so you have a lot of space for your luggage.

Models	Porsche Panamera	Mercedes-Benz S Class	BMW 7-Series	Audi A8
Cargo space (cubic feet)	17.6	18.7	18.2	12.5

Benz is leading the race of “Who has the biggest boot?” with more than one cubic feet compared to Panamera and Beamer is the runner-up not far behind the Mercedes. Audi seems to be playing a whole different game as it is not even close to the rivals in this regard.

The last generation received a lot of criticism about how it looked, after which the automaker went straight to the drawing board and came up with this new design and we have to say it looks attractive from every point. There is not much to dislike apart from a few like the rear window which is too slant and can hinder in rear visibility for some people.

Models	Porsche Panamera	Mercedes-Benz S Class	BMW 7-Series	Audi A8
Curb weight (lbs)	4157	4685	4381	4751
Length (in)	198.7	206.9	207.4	208.7
Width (in)	76.3	74.8	74.9	76.6
Height (in)	56	58.9	58.2	58.5
Ground clearance (in)	5.3	5.0	5.3	4.8
Wheelbase (in)	116.1	124.6	126.4	123.1

The front looks elegant with the typical Porsche LED headlights, the Emblem is right on the hood and looks subtle. The side of the car boasts 19-inch alloy, the body lines are beautiful and the roof melds into the boot which is just pleasant to look at. The rear of the car is a whole other story, from the 3D Porsche badging right in the center and LED taillights are just beautiful to look at. Dual chrome-tipped exhaust seals the deal. The other exterior features are-

• 19-inch Wheels, dual-arm 5-spoke design
• Express Open/Close Sliding And Tilting Glass 1st Row Sunroof w/Power Sunshade
• Chrome Door Handles
• Chrome Side Windows Trim and Black Front Windshield Trim
• Body-Colored Power Heated Auto Dimming Side Mirrors w/Power Folding
• Fixed Rear Window with Defroster and Power Blind
• Light Tinted Glass
• Rain Detecting Variable Intermittent Wipers with Heated Jets
• Galvanized Steel/Aluminum Panels
• Power Spoiler
• Power Liftgate Rear Cargo Access
• Tailgate/Rear Door Lock Included with Power Door Locks
• Fully Automatic Projector Beam Led Low/High Beam Daytime Running Auto-Leveling Headlamps w/Delay-Off
• Rear Fog Lamps
• Perimeter/Approach Lights
• LED Brakelights
• Door Auto-Latch

With the 10-year Edition comes some exclusive features like 21-inch SportDesign wheels in Satin White Gold Metallic, and white gold interior stitching. All these add ons increase the desirability of the car.

Being a Porsche there is no doubt about the car being safe and there is a good reason for that. the brand has proven again and again their commitment to keeping buyers safe. You can enjoy your ride to the fullest and let Panamera worry about safety.

NHTSA and IIHS have not yet rated the Panamera but considering the lineage of the brand and safety features onboard there is little to no doubt about the sedan being unsafe.

Safety Features that come standard in the 2020 Panamera-

• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Backup Camera
• Parking Sensors
• Alarm
• Traction Control
• Stability Control
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Side Airbags
• Curtain Airbags
• Knee Airbags

Porsche Panamera vs Mercedes-Benz S Class

S-Class has been established as the go-to car for luxury and class. Its got the length, its got the style and it does demand a presence to assert dominance in any environment.

Porsche Panamera vs BMW 7-Series

BMW is closely matched with the Panamera and that becomes apparent when you look at the features, engine at least on the paper. The real world, on the other hand, is not based on the paper which is why they may have a similar engine but Beamer power delivery is better than that of Porsche. The wheelbase is longer which directly dictates that the cargo and interior are bigger. These little things make 7-Series a good choice.

Porsche Panamera vs Audi A8

This is a fight between what you are looking for in a performance sedan. Audi lacks power and the thrust when you push the accelerator. The boot size is not up to the mark as well and that affects a lot. So, considering all Panamera offers an all-round package.

The choice is simple and easy since, with Porsche you can never go wrong, this has been proven time and again. So, if you are in the market looking for a luxury sedan that offers a sporty aspect in terms of performance as well, do take a look at the Panamera and it should steal your heart with its elegant yet powerful looks.