Overview

This is the second generation of the Porsche Panamera, the German sports car maker’s luxury fastback. It’s been around since 2017, but is still very much on the pace in terms of performance and technology – although it’s taken the back seat in the minds of more progressive buyers, thanks to the arrival of the all-electric Porsche Taycan. Despite that, it’s still one of the best luxury hybrids out there.

It offers a rounded blend of high-performance driver enjoyment and luxury saloon comfort, enhanced by a sophisticated array of cutting-edge on-board and chassis technology. There is a bewildering array of models that span the entry-level rear-wheel drive model to the fire breathing Turbo S via the plug-in hybrid models.

Despite being a full-sized luxury car, it’s still very much a Porsche to look at and drive, so it wears its visual similarity with the 911 range with pride. It’s a difficult car to pigeonhole meaning its rivals are as diverse as the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi RS6 Avant, but it will also appeal to those who want a luxury alternative to the Mercedes S-Class. But if you’re a keen driver, the Panamera is definitely the best choice for you.

The Panamera is available in petrol and plug-in hybrid forms. The entry-level Panamera is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol engine drives the rear wheels. The Panamera 4 and 4 Platinum models adds four-wheel drive and will crack the 0-62mph time in 5.3 seconds, so it’s no slouch.

The 4S four-wheel drive has a 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo motor, and develops 440hp. The same 2.9-litre engine features in the 4 and 4S E-Hybrid versions, although the electrical assistance sees power rise to 462hp. Porsche claims up to 31 miles of electric-only driving with an official fuel efficiency of 113.0mpg.

Crowning the range are the GTS and Turbo S – the latter’s V8 4.0-litre engine musters 630hp, enough for a 190mph top speed. All Panameras have an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, under Porsche’s now-familiar PDK branding. There’s no manual option.

The Panamera includes a driver assistance system called InnoDrive, rear-wheel steering for greater agility and stability, and a more efficient electro-mechanical active anti-roll stabilisation in place of the previous hydraulic set-up.

They are also completely integrated into a new system called Porsche 4D Chassis Control that comes as standard. This system coordinates all of the driving tech into one holistic package, giving the Panamera remarkably fleet-footed responses – especially for a car that is over five metres long.

Continue reading for the full Parkers Porsche Panamera review, or skip to the verdict, to find out if it really does combine sports car dynamics with luxury saloon opulence.