Porsche Panamera (2022) - An ultra-exotic luxury sedan!

2022 Porsche Panamera Starting at: $89,750

Pros Lively handling despite its size, fast acceleration, lots of practicality. Low prices quickly get out of hand with options, touch-sensitive interior controls are fussy, and the hybrid model's braking system isn't as perfect as it could be. Verdict If your ideal car is the 911 but you need more space, the Panamera is a good compromise.

Overview

There's no rule that says you shouldn't drive a Porsche sports car every day, but two-door 911s and 718s aren't the most practical vehicles. Thankfully, the 2022 Panamera sedan combines the driving pleasure of a Porsche with a four-door body and a premium cabin to create a more balanced option for those who need room for kids and cargo. Most models come with a turbocharged V-6, but a twin-turbo V-8 with 473 horsepower is also available, as well as a plug-in hybrid with up to 552 horsepower. The handling of the Panamera is breathtaking and punchy, in line with the brand's sports cars, and its fastback roofline gives it a sportier look than similarly priced sports sedans like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63. If you need even more practicality, Porsche will sell you the Panamera Sport Turismo wagon, and if you need more power, there's also the Panamera Turbo; we consider both of these models separately.

What's new in 2022?

The new Platinum Edition package is now available for the 2022 Panamera, Panamera 4S and Panamera 4 E-Hybrid models. The appearance package includes black exterior trim, unique 21-inch wheels with matte platinum finish, and blacked-out headlight lenses. Inside, the Panamera features the Platinum Edition Sports Package badge on the aluminum scuff guards. The Panamera also gets an updated Porsche infotainment system, PCM 6.0, which makes Android Auto a standard feature, as well as Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity and built-in interfaces for Apple Music and Apple Podcasts. Pricing and which one to buy Panamera: $89,750 Panamera 4: $94,350 Panamera 4 E-Hybrid: $106,350 Panamera 4S: $107,750 Panamera 4S E-Hybrid: $116,050 Panamera GTS: $132,050

Porsche offers the Panamera in such a wide range of models and prices that your budget and needs should dictate what's best for you. There's nothing wrong with the package, including a base model that puts out 325 horsepower and costs under $100,000. We're also big fans of the Executive models, which have a longer wheelbase and offer significantly more rear-seat legroom than the standard body. For our part, we believe the Panamera 4S strikes the best balance between performance and value, with its 440bhp 2.9L twin-turbo V-6 engine and standard all-wheel drive system. Porsche also offers an endless range of options, but don't miss the adaptive air suspension that improves the hatchback's ride and handling, or the Sport Chrono package. The latter adds a Sport Plus setting with launch control and tweaks the response and performance of the Panamera's engine, transmission and chassis.

Engine, transmission and performance With its agile and smooth ride, especially with the optional adjustable air suspension, the Panamera 2022 is a thrill to drive. It also delivers the comfort and luxury expected from such an expensive four-door hatchback. Every Panamera is equipped with a boosted engine, but only a few have the Turbo badge. We consider these models separately. The base rear-wheel drive Panamera and the all-wheel drive Panamera 4 are powered by a 2.9-litre turbocharged V-6 engine producing 325 hp. Under the hood of the significantly faster 4S model - 60 mph in 3.6 seconds - is a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with 440 hp. Upgrading to the GTS gives you a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with 473 hp. This is the best performance in the line without Turbo; however, its suspension sacrifices some ride quality in the name of handling. Porsche also offers plug-inPanameras models with 455 hp transmission. in 4 E-Hybrid and 552 hp. in 4S E-Hybrid. Buyers looking for an all-electric Porsche should check out the new Taycan.