Compared to its closest competitors — Audi RS7, BMW M8, Mercedes-AMG GT63 — the Porsche Panamera Turbo stands out as a full-size luxury sedan that handles like a high-performance vehicle half its weight.
With the 2021 model, the Porsche engineers in Weissach have persuaded their V8 to perform even better than the 2020 model. Equipped with higher-flow-rate fuel injectors and modified turbines, new higher platinum content spark plugs and crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and timing chain drive optimized to handle higher load peaks, even its long-wheelbase, even the Executive Panamera can surge from zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds.
Using Launch Control in Sport Plus mode, the Panamera can reach a top speed of 196 mph.
In most high-performance luxury sedans, it seems like the high-performance hardware was an afterthought. But the Panamera Turbo S is totally different. Motortrend has described it as “a luxury sedan with sports-car DNA.”
History
It wasn’t always so rosy for the sports sedan. When the Porsche Panamera was introduced ten years ago, it quickly became known as the red-headed stepchild of the proud Porsche family.
What a difference a decade can make. The Panamera is now considered as one of the best full-size luxury sedans on the US market.
To get to where it is now, the Panamera has undergone several design changes. Following more subtle changes, the 2014 Panamera was recognized: the Robb Report – Best of the Best Sedans (Turbo S) and Edmunds – Most Popular. Edmunds also awarded the car for having the “Best Retained Value.”
The auto world saw a Porsche Panamera with a new look and a driving experience that had to be experienced. Porsche’s four-door sedan is now an iconic figure in the proud Porsche lineup.
How Reliable is the Porsche Panamera?
The 2020 Porsche Panamera has a high reliability rating according to both experts and owners alike, and was even awarded Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value: High-End Luxury Car.
- Owner Reviews: 5 stars
- Expert Reviews: 5 stars
The 2020 Panamera isn’t ranked on Euro NCAP crash-testing or Car Buyer–UK’s crash testing reviews, but not because this isn’t a durable and safe car. Coming in at around $110,000.00 when decked out, the Panamera costs too much to garner the number of vehicles on the road to make many of these tests.
It should be noted that just about everything Porsche owners of other models have found fault in the past has been more than corrected in the new Panamera.
Previously, owners marked their Porsches down for practicality (something this four-door luxury sedan has corrected) and in-car technology (an area in which the Panamera excels).
A Luxury Sedan with Sports Car Technology
The Panamera is loaded with technology that produces a luxurious ride combined with the power and responsive nature of a sports car. These included:
- Adaptive air suspension
- Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)
- 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission
- Active anti-roll bars
- Active Suspension Management (PASM)
- Speed activated rear spoiler
For an in-depth look at the new Porsche Panamera 2020, take a look here.
Reliability and Maintenance
The Panamera is not your run-of-the-mill four-door sedan, so maintenance costs are on the expensive side. An oil change, even from an independent Porsche repair shop, costs a little more but one should never try to cut corners here.
As with any version-one model, the Panamera has a few known problems. The only reoccurring problems with the 2020 model have been the Check Engine Light and Spoiler Malfunction Light. Most of these problems have been due to faulty OBD codes. Both problems can be fixed in just a few minutes and fall under warranty coverage.
The Panamera is notorious for problems with the auxiliary coolant pump that leads to the engine overheating while idling. This is a potential issue if you spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic or driving in Manhattan.
Porsche says it has corrected this problem in the 2020 model, but there need to be more road hours registered to know for sure. Be aware that overheating can cause significant damage to the engine.
Should this occur to you, we recommend you not delay having yours seen by a professional ASAP.
Like any high-performance car, the Panamera requires a strict maintenance schedule. Maintenance schedules are based on elapsed time and mileage.
Purchasing a $100,000 four-door that can do 60 MHP in 2.9 seconds can seem a bit daunting.
Fortunately, we’ve done a lot of that work for you. All you have to do is grab a Vehicle History report so you can dig deep into the Porsche Panamera’s past and present to discover any major issues that would otherwise catch you by surprise.
