2022 Porsche Panamera

The second-generation Porsche Panamera sedan has been on sale for a full six years, but it's showing no signs of slowing down. Last year, it received the obligatory midlife facelift, keeping it competitive in this highly contested luxury rocketship category. Porsche's design remains contentious, though less so than before. Crucially, it feels and drives like a Porsche should, even more so after last year's active suspension management upgrade. The Panamera soldiers on into 2022 with more power than ever before and without the outdated 3.0-liter single-turbo V6 dragging the entry-level models down. There's a wide variety of models to choose from in both standard and long-wheelbase format, with gas and hybrid power outputs ranging from 325 horsepower to 552 hp. Still, its main German competitors are now putting out 600 hp +, so is the Panamera still relevant compared to the Audi A7 Sportback and the Mercedes-AMG GT?

The current Panamera looks much better than the previous version, but there's still something odd about an elongated 911. At least with this generation, you can pull right up to the school gates without scaring small children. All new Panamera models come standard with LED headlights, four-point LED daytime running lights, and three-dimensional LED taillights. A panoramic roof and an adaptive rear spoiler are also standard. 19-inch Panamera wheels are standard on the Panamera, Panamera 4, and Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, while the 4S E-Hybrid gains a set of 20-inch Panamera Turbo wheels, as used on the discontinued Turbo model. The GTS model gets a bunch of model-specific extras such as 20-inch Panamera Design wheels in Satin Black. It also has high gloss black exterior trim. The base Panamera has twin single-tube tailpipes, while the Panamera 4 gets quad-exit tailpipes.

The Panamera is available in standard and long-wheelbase format, with the longer Panamera car known as the Executive. The standard vehicle is 198.8 inches long, has a width of just over 85 inches including the mirrors, and 56 inches tall. The standard wheelbase is 116.1 inches. There are some small differences in dimensions for some models, such as the E-Hybrid model which is 56.1 inches tall. The GTS model is slightly longer at 199 inches and sits 0.2 inches closer to the ground than the base model. Executive models are 204.7 inches long. They stand 0.2 inches taller than the base Panamera and ride on a 122-inch wheelbase. The lightest model is the base Panamera, weighing in at 4,222 pounds. Adding a hybrid powertrain to the larger Executive model results in the heftiest Panamera of all, the 4S E-Hybrid. It tips the scales at 5,161 lbs, representing a massive increase in weight over the entry-level car.

Unlike most high-performance German sedans, the Porsche color palette is not just fifty shades of grey. White and Black are the only no-cost options, but Porsche offers several options from the Metallic and Special Color palettes. Most metallic options cost $840 each, and the available colors include Carrara White, Jet Black, Volcano Grey, Cherry, Dolomite Silver, Gentian Blue, Night Blue, Copper Ruby, Aventurine Green, and Truffle Brown. The Special Colors cost $3,270 each, and the options are GT Silver, Amethyst, Chalk, and Carmine Red. Papaya is listed as a regular metallic but it carries the same $3,270 premium as the special colors. For $11,430, you can have the Porker painted any color you want. So if you have a Python Green GT3 at home and want your daily car to match, Porsche will happily do it.

The Panamera is also unique in the sense that you can mess around with various wheel options. In addition to the usual black contrast alloys, Porsche can do wheels in the same color as the body. Or, if you're feeling particularly bold, you can even add some Satin Aurum wheels which start at over $4,400. In case you're wondering, Satin Aurum is fancy marketing speak for gold.

All models are adequately brisk, getting to 60 mph before you can count to six Mississippily. Porsche offers a wide variety of engines, starting with a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 producing 325 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. It's used in the Panamera and the more powerful Panamera S, where it makes 443 hp and 405 lb-ft. In the base Panamera, this engine gets the car to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and 5.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. The top speed is rated at 168 mph. The base Panamera also happens to be the only rear-wheel-drive model in the range.

Upgrade to the Panamera 4, and you get all-wheel drive as standard. The top speed drops to 167 mph, but the 0-60 mph sprint times improve. As standard, it will get there in five seconds, dropping down to 4.8 seconds with the Sport Chrono Pack. The Panamera 4S has a top speed of 183 mph, and the 0-60 mph time drops to 4.1 seconds. If you opt for the Sport Chrono Package, this time drops to 3.9 seconds.

Next in line is the 4 E-Hybrid, which uses the base model's twin-turbo V6 working together with a 134 hp/295 lb-ft electric motor. The combined power output is 455 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. In this model, the Sport Chrono Package is standard, allowing for a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph. The 4S E-Hybrid uses the same formula but uses the high-output twin-turbo V6 from the 4S. Its combined power output is 552 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. It also has the Sport Chrono Package included as standard, resulting in a 0-60 mph sprint time of 3.5 seconds. It tops out at 185 mph.

The top-spec GTS is the only model with V8 power, and it's twin-turbocharged for good measure. It's not the most powerful, however. The V8 produces 473 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. It gets very close to the 4S E-Hybrid's performance figures simply because it doesn't weigh as much. It gets to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 186 mph. Technically, its top speed makes it the fastest Panamera in the standard range. Due to the added weight of the extended wheelbase, the Executive models take a split-second longer to get to 60 mph. The base Panamera and GTS aren't available in Executive format, however.

All models use the same eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and all but the base Panamera come standard with AWD. All the engines are adequately powerful, and getting up to speed from a standing start or joining the highway is no problem. Still, it's hard not to be disappointed by the base engine, considering how much the Panamera costs. The twin-turbo V6 produces 325 hp from 5,400 rpm and 331 lb-ft from 1,800 rpm. Its performance figures would have been acceptable a decade ago, but these days you can buy a non-M BMW that will get to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. To unlock the full potential of the Panamera, you need to go for the 4S or higher. We'd recommend the 4S E-Hybrid, because it offers similar performance to the now-defunct Turbo. The 4S uses a more powerful version of the twin-turbo V6, providing 443 hp from 5,750 rpm and 405 lb-ft from 1,900 rpm.

The 4S E-Hybrid boasts some serious output figures for a hybrid. It has 552 hp while the maximum torque from the ICE is available from 1,900 rpm. The trick here is the additional 295 lb-ft provided by the electric motor, which is available instantaneously. As a bonus, it can also do nearly 20 miles on electricity alone. The hybrid models also come standard with the Sport Chrono Package, making them stupidly easy to launch. The GTS's 473 hp is available at 6,500 rpm, just before reaching the 6,800 rpm maximum engine speed. Thankfully, the 457 lb-ft of torque is available from 1,800 to 4,000 rpm.

As part of the 2021 facelift, Porsche tweaked the underpinnings slightly to improve both comfort and handling. They hit the nail on the head because the Porsche performs exceptionally well in both categories. You need the adaptive air suspension to get the most out of the Panamera. Thankfully, it's standard fitment from the Panamera 4S and upwards. The Panamera and Panamera 4 get a standard steel suspension.

The available drive modes depend on whether you opt for a hybrid or an ICE car. ICE models get Normal, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual. Hybrid models get Hybrid Auto, Sport, Sport Plus, E-Charge, and E-Hold. You also get the added benefit of regenerative braking, but the system feels clunky. Perhaps Porsche should incorporate some of the lessons it learned from Taycan's development. Essentially, you get a wide range of settings, perfect for any occasion.

When it comes to the hybrid, we like that it can go from a rapid canyon carver to a traffic jam sensory deprivation tank at the touch of a button. On the ICE cars, we love the Individual setting. We like having the engine in Sport and the suspension in Comfort with the exhaust fully opened because, why not? Thanks to AWD being standard, the Panamera always feels solid and stable. You might be tempted by the entry-level RWD Panamera, but it just doesn't have adequate power to be considered a wild ride. The Panamera is not a 911, but it is an exceptionally well-sorted large sedan. Even with its power deficit, the GTS need not back down from a fight with a BMW M5.

As mentioned earlier, adaptive air suspension is a must-have. With it, the Panamera offers you the best of both worlds. Most of the time, a car like this will spend its time in bumper-to-bumper traffic, or on the highway. Thanks to excellent sound insulation and soft damping, the Porsche does an admirable job in both settings. In the sportier settings, it feels like a well-sorted performance sedan. The front end grips eagerly, the engine is primed and ready to provide maximum shunt, and the air suspension keeps the car remarkably flat in the twisties.

EPA ratings haven't yet been published for the 2022 Porsche Panamera lineup, although we don't anticipate that these will be different from the 2021 models. The Panamera and Panamera 4 both have gas mileage figures of 18/24/20 mpg city/highway/combined. The 4S, despite its more powerful twin-turbo V6, also boasts the same figures. The GTS's twin-turbo V8 is nowhere near as frugal. According to the EPA, it does 15/21/17 mpg. On the Executive models, you pay an extra mile per gallon penalty in each category.

The 4 E-Hybrid is the most efficient of the bunch, with EPA-estimated figures of 52 MPGe and 22 mpg once the battery is depleted. The 4S E-Hybrid can do 50 MPGe and 22 mpg. Both these models have a claimed range of 480 miles from the 21.1-gallon tank, or 18 miles on electric power alone.

ICE models have a 23.7-gallon tank. In the best-case scenario, you're looking at a range of 474 miles on the base and 4S. Even the GTS will do just over 400 miles on a full tank.

The Panamera's interior is a high-tech marvel. Perhaps even annoyingly so. You get the standard Porsche instrument layout, with the tachometer in the center, right where it should be. The analog dials are flanked by high-resolution screens that display valuable information. Porsche uses a 12.3-inch touchscreen as a centerpiece, and below that, you'll find the shortcut buttons for the climate control and the stubby shifter. We like that most of the driver controls have been moved to the steering wheel. Porsche introduced its haptic feedback buttons with the launch of the second-generation Panamera. We love the idea behind these buttons, but they feel like they haven't been appropriately developed yet. Pushing a button and getting the desired result is a bit hit and miss at times. You get sturdy German quality as standard, which goes a long way toward justifying the high asking price.

The Porsche is sold as a 2+2 seater, and that's the only format worth going for. All four seating positions provide generous legroom and headroom. The individual bucket seats in the rear go a long way towards providing the utmost comfort. Replacing the standard rear seat configuration with a bench is a meaningless exercise and one we'd advise against. The Executive model has a longer wheelbase, giving rear passengers even more legroom to stretch out, which will be immediately apparent if you prefer to conduct a test drive from the back seat. Although the thick B-pillar can partially obscure the view out in certain situations, visibility is generally very good.

The Panamera comes standard with partial leather seats available in Black or Agate Grey at no extra cost. If you want the Black/Luxor Beige combination, you have to fork over an additional $390. The single-tone full leather interiors retail for $3,790 each. The available colors are Black, Agate Grey, Marsala, and Saddle Brown. The dual-tone options retail for $4,320 and the options here are Black/Bordeaux Red, Marsala/Cream, Black/Chalk, Saddle Brown/Luxor Beige, Black/Saddle Brown, and Black/Luxor Beige. The Club Leather options cost $5,650 and are available in Cohiba Brown and Truffle Brown.

The GTS comes standard with a black interior and a mix of leather and Race-Tex upholstery. It also has black brushed aluminum interior trim. On this model, there are different upholstery upgrades, such as the GTS Interior Package in Black/Chalk or Black/Carmine Red that adds $3,480 to the price. The full leather upgrades on the GTS are also less expensive.

On all models, specific interior parts can be finished in leather, Race-Tex, wood, carbon fiber, aluminum, or a combination. Even the steering column casing can be finished in leather, and this is an area of the cabin you'll rarely touch.

The standard Panamera has a 17.6 cubic foot trunk that can be increased to 47.3 cubes when you fold the rear seats flat. Executive models come with the same 17.6 cube trunk, but the cargo capacity increases to 52.6 cubes when you fold the rear seats flat, thanks to the additional body length. The hybrid models don't have quite so much cargo room. In the Executive models, the hybrid has 14.2 cubes or 49.1 cubes with the seats folded (14.3/49.3 for the 4S E Hybrid Executive). The standard-wheelbase hybrid has 14.2/43.8 cubes of space, and 14.3/44 cubes in 4S E-Hybrid guise.

On the inside, there's a lengthy center console that runs the length of the car in 2+2 guise. It houses two cupholders up front and another two in the rear, along with door compartments front and rear. Front occupants also get a storage space underneath the armrest and a small glove compartment.

Most of the differences between the models are mechanical and cosmetic, which means the features list is relatively straightforward from the base model all the way up to the GTS. All models get a panoramic roof, an automatic rear hatch, an adaptive spoiler, dual-zone climate control, eight-way power-adjustable heated front seats, keyless entry with push-button start, a garage door opener, two high-resolution displays in the instrument cluster, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, two rear USB charging ports, and a wireless charging pad for front passengers. Executive models also get eight-way power-adjustable rear seats with a memory package and heating.

Safety features include a rearview camera, cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and front/rear parking sensors. It wouldn't be a Porsche without an options list as long as your arm. Available features include a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, night vision assist, adaptive cruise control, four-zone climate control, soft-close doors, and ventilated front/rear seats.

All Panamera models have a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, SiriusXM, and HD Radio. Connect Plus is also standard, which means you get online navigation with real-time traffic information. You can also install the Porsche App, which will help you find the car, track its movements, and check its status. As standard, the infotainment system is connected to a ten-speaker sound system. If that's not good enough, you can go for the 14-speaker Bose sound system for $1,600. A $7,530 21-speaker Burmester 3D sound system is also available. Finally, a rear-seat entertainment system can be added for $2,760.

Not all model years of the Panamera are recall-free, but there hasn't been a scary number of problems, either. The Panamera was recall-free in both 2019 and 2020, but the facelifted 2021 model was recalled twice. The first issue was an incorrectly forged front lower trailing arm, while the second was a seat belt locking retractor malfunction. Porsche was quite preemptive with its recalls, as the Panamera has had zero complaints lodged against it for the last three years. The 2022 model was recall-free at the time of writing.

According to the J.D. Power review, the Panamera is a more satisfying car to own than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The 2021 model came in third in its category with an overall rating of 79 out of 100, ahead of the S-Class but behind the BMW 7 and 8 Series. Overall, the Panamera seems like a fairly safe bet in terms of reliability, even if it hasn't been flawless.

All Panamera models are sold with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty including 24-hour roadside assistance. Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles, while the hybrid/electric components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.

The NHTSA has not conducted a safety review of the Porsche Panamera, and there are no reviews available for it from the IIHS either, which means the sedan remains unrated. Given the standard safety specification, we doubt the Panamera would be anything but safe.

The Panamera comes standard with dual front, side, rear side, and curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions. Front passengers also get knee airbags. Porsche includes the usual array of active safety features like ABS, EBD, and adaptive traction and stability control.

On the driver assistance side, you don't get much included in the base price. It's just lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, a rearview camera, and front and rear park assist.

There are several safety features available on the options list but Porsche charges a fortune for them. The surround-view camera costs $920, lane change assist is $1,060, adaptive cruise control goes for $2,250, and night vision assist adds $2,410 to the price.

When you look at the price of the base models, the Panamera seems to represent decent value for money. And in a way, it does. You get many features as standard, and it is a comfortable, well-built large luxury barge with a sporty side. You also get one of the most sought-after badges in the industry, worth at least $10,000 on its own.

If you look at the performance figures attached to the various models, you can't help but notice that you can get more for your money elsewhere though. Move above the $100,000 mark in the USA, and you have to deal with competitors like the Audi RS7, BMW M8 Gran Coupe, and the Mercedes-AMG E63. There are so many faster alternatives, and Porsche no longer has the market cornered for ride and handling. These cars also come with more standard safety features than the Porsche.

We look at the huge price difference between the various Panamera models and equivalent cars from rivals and can't help but feel a bit cheated. It also doesn't help that Porsche charges some serious cash for each little bit you want to add to the car. The Panamera is perfect for the 911 fan who wants something a bit more practical during the week, but if you aren't a Porsche fanboy, there are better go-faster sedans out there.

The price of the Porsche Panamera begins at $88,400 for the entry-level model, increasing to $93,000 for the Panamera 4. The larger and more luxurious Panamera 4 Executive costs $99,700. A Panamera 4S goes for $106,400 and $117,700 in Executive guise.

All hybrid models have six-figure price tags. The base 4 E-Hybrid costs $105,000 ($109,500 for the Executive) and $114,700 for the 4S E-Hybrid. The 4S E-Hybrid Executive has an MSRP of $126,000.

The Panamera will cost $130,700 in GTS guise but this model isn't available as an Executive. All these prices exclude tax, licensing, registration, and a destination charge of $1,350 in the US.

The new Porsche Panamera is available in numerous configurations as there are two body lengths and numerous engines. In total, there are ten Porsche Panamera models to choose from. The standard-wheelbase Panamera is available in Base, 4, 4S, 4 E-Hybrid, 4S E-Hybrid, and GTS trims. In Executive guise, these same trims are replicated but the Base and GTS variants fall away. Only the base Panamera has RWD but all other models have AWD. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is common to all.

The differences between the various specifications are mostly mechanical in nature. The Base and 4 use a standard steel suspension, while the rest ride on an adaptive air suspension.

Almost all models boast the same basic standard specification. They all get a panoramic roof, LED lights with four-point LED daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control, eight-way power-adjustable heated front seats, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and wireless charging. A ten-speaker sound system is standard. Executive models have more spacious rear seats with their own power adjustments and heating.

The Base, 4, and 4 Executive are powered by a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 325 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque.

Models using the 4S badge use the same 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine but tuned to deliver 443 hp and 405 lb-ft. If you opt for the Sport Chrono Package on this model, the 0-60 mph time drops below four seconds.

The top-spec GTS has a twin-turbocharged V8 bolted under the hood. It delivers 473 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. The GTS does have several model-specific features, including a SportDesign exterior package in Satin Black, leather and Race-Tex seats, 18-way power-adjustable front seats with a memory function, GTS embossed front headrests, and a GTS logo in the tachometer.

On the hybrid side, you get two engine options. The electric motor delivers 134 hp and 295 lb-ft. In combination with the detuned twin-turbo V6, it produces 455 hp and 516 lb-ft. Connected to the 4S engine, it peaks at 552 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.

The Panamera has an extremely long list of optional features. We like the idea of building a car to one's exact specification, but some of the pricing is just ridiculous. Most of the models are just under or over six figures, and to expect a customer to still pay $840 for ventilated front seats is silly. You also need to add $920 for a surround-view camera and $2,250 for adaptive cruise control. Every other high-end German manufacturer will give you these features as standard.

As far as packages are concerned, there are three. The prices and availability are model-dependent, however. On the 4S, you pay an additional $5,450 for the Sport Package, which consists of rear-axle steering, power steering plus, the Sport Chrono Package, and a sport exhaust system with silver or black tailpipes.

The Premium Package retails for $6,640 and adds 14-way power-adjustable front seats with a memory function, the Porsche Dynamic Light System, four-zone climate control, the Bose surround sound system, lane change assist, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, soft-close doors, and ambient lighting plus.

The $4,550 Assistance Package adds most of the available driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, and LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System.

The GTS might seem like the go-to model, but its $130k price is silly compared to the likes of the BMW M5 Competition and Audi RS7. And while we like the idea of the 4S E-Hybrid and its 552-hp output, it's just too heavy. The fuel consumption isn't that much better once the battery is depleted, which happens fairly quickly.

We think the best model is the 4S. The high-output V6 produces 443 hp and 405 lb-ft, which is extremely close to the GTS's power output of 473 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. Add the Sport Chrono Package to the 4S, and it will get to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds; the GTS gets there in 3.7 seconds, a difference that is hard to notice. Still, the V8 is more vocal, but a 4S with the Sport Chrono Package costs $20,000 less than the GTS.

Perhaps the main question to ask is: How much do you really need that Porsche badge? If you're open to other brands, even the Panamera 4S isn't the best buy in this segment.

The Panamera used to be the only Porsche sedan, but things have changed since the arrival of the Taycan. The Taycan is smaller, and overall the Panamera is more practical. Interior space is more or less the same. In 2+2 configuration, all four passengers get adequate space, but it's worth stating that if space is a major consideration, you'd be better off in any other German performance sedan.

The best thing about the Taycan is that the entry-level model is the best out of the bunch. Even if you opt for the 4S, the Taycan is still cheaper. The base Taycan produces 321 hp, while the 4S produces up to 522 hp. The base Panamera delivers 325 hp. These figures are irrelevant to how the car feels, however. The Taycan's instant power delivery makes it feel much faster than it is. The Taycan also has a beautiful interior with a curved 16.8-inch digital instrument cluster.

The big question here is whether you're an early adopter. The base Taycan can do around 200 miles on a full charge, which isn't that great. But the Porsche charges quite quickly, and you get three years of 30-minute charges for free via Electrify America. We can see why some people would still go the Panamera route, but we'd have a Taycan.

The Audi RS7 perfectly demonstrates just how overpriced the Panamera is. Audi charges you $114,000 (2021 pricing) for the same twin-turbocharged V8, but the outputs are ramped up all the way to 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the GTS can only muster 473 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to Audi's quattro AWD system, the RS7 can get to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Then again, the Porsche can do it in 3.7, proving that it's much better at putting power down. The Audi is not as good on a twisty road, but it is a much better GT. Thanks to more space in the rear and a larger trunk, it's also easier to live with. The 24.9 cubes it offers are way more than the Porker's 17.6 cubes. Audi is also more generous when it comes to standard fare. It has LED ambient lighting, four-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, quilted leather, and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system as standard. All of these things cost extra on the Panamera. We'd much rather save a significant chunk of cash and get the superior Audi.