First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

October 5, 2009

The Burmester audio system uses 16-speakers and 1,000 watts to create a sensational entertainment experience in the Panamera. Burmester is a company not known outside audiophile circles in North America and this is the first application of its audio technology in a car here (its other application is in the Bugatti Veyron). It’s like front-row seating at a live concert of your choice. If you’re an audio perfectionist, you should like this.

2010 Porsche Panamera. Click image to enlarge

Speaking of firsts, as mentioned above, a start-stop system is standard on all Panamera models. It enables the engine to shut down at stoplights in order to conserve fuel, while the vehicle amenities (air conditioning, audio, etc.) are powered by the battery. Upon releasing the brake, the engine immediately starts. Although start-stop technology is common in Europe, this is its first application on a non-hybrid car in North America. It anticipates a hybrid Panamera model, already announced by Porsche.

But enough of the details; let’s talk about show and go.

The exterior design of the Panamera has generated some discussion; not all of it flattering. This may be from people who have only seen the car in pictures, and it must be said that many of these pictures don’t do the Panamera justice (it’s a low, wide car with a rear that curves all the way around, challenging the photographer). In person, the Panamera is wonderful to behold; larger than you expect, radiating sophistication, exclusivity and power. I can’t overstate what an exquisite impression the Panamera can make as you walk toward it, or as one pulls up in front of you.

The positive impression is not spoiled when you open the door; in fact, it’s enhanced. The Panamera interior is beautifully designed and rendered, thoroughly inviting and perfectly proportioned. It’s a superb combination of traditional luxury and modern technology. It’s also different than any other car, so it’s not like you’re getting into an upmarket version of an existing mainstream vehicle.

2010 Porsche Panamera. Click image to enlarge

But even though this is a practical sedan, the Panamera is every bit a Porsche. In the driver’s seat you are experiencing the same physical proportions as you would in a 911 Carrera (same roof height, same seat location), and once underway, the car’s superior power and handling are instantly discernable. Such is the thrill produced by the Panamera with your right foot extended, that without self-discipline you’d want to blast to 160 km/h after every stop sign, and cruise along at 200-plus km/h at every opportunity.

You can’t do that, which, belatedly, is why we were at Elkhart Lake, which motorsports fans know is where you’ll find the celebrated Road America racetrack.

There, we could experience the teeth-chattering acceleration and raucous exhaust note of the Panamera using launch control, drive way fast, and sample the car’s precision handling as it negotiated this very long track with its fabulous straights and very sharp corners.

Having Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona winner David Donahue in the seat next to you while doing this is a bonus few owners will experience. Then again, they get to take the car home and keep it there.

Suffice it to say that in my humble opinion, the Panamera 4S or Turbo are the vehicles to have on the track. These models feel more planted to me; more easily controlled and they are slightly quicker off the line.

2010 Porsche Panamera. Click image to enlarge

As the morning progressed, the Panamera brakes, it must be said, began to weaken, with some vehicles experiencing considerable noise and vibration under braking my mid-day. Porsche suggested this was related to the stability management system which presumably will be addressed.

Other criticisms include the lack of standard Bluetooth connectivity, the shallow and inadequate bottle/cup holders, lack of standard satellite radio and the lack of standard rear wiper (the rear window is so small in the mirror that anything to help visibility should be standard).

There are numerous other Panamera features that could be identified and discussed, as you would expect from a sophisticated luxury performance car whose price starts above $100,000. But suffice it to say that the Porsche Panamera is a very special machine that will be available only to a select few, but is sure to be appreciated by anyone who enjoys fine automobiles.

Direct competitors include the Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and BMW 7 Series. The BMW M5 also comes to mind.

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