Porsche Panamera Turbo

The Porsche Panamera Turbo is a five-door hatchback that’s styled to look more like a sedan. It’s not technically one of Porsche’s sportscars, and it’s one of the most practical vehicles the company makes—but that doesn’t keep it from offering up scalding performance and stunning looks.

The Panamera competes with cars such as the Aston Martin Rapide, Audi A7, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, and the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe.

For 2018, the Panamera lineup grows considerably to a total of 15 different variants including two wheelbases and a choice of standard and shooting brake-like Sport Turismo body configurations. A new base model joins the lineup with rear-wheel drive, while a pair of hybrid models offer two different definitions of efficient performance.

With a twin-turbo V-8 making 550 hp and 567 lb-ft, the Panamera Turbo is equal parts supercar and luxury chariot. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive put power to the ground; we saw 60 mph in 3.0 seconds. The Turbo S E-Hybrid adds electric assist to the equation; it’s good for 680-hp and allows for electric-only driving. Executive models add almost six inches of wheelbase for extra back-seat room for those who prefer to be chauffeured. It’s expensive, but few four-seaters are so fast.

With agile handling and a smooth ride, especially when equipped with the optional adjustable air suspension, the Porsche Panamera Turbo is a thrill to drive. It also provides the comfort and luxury expected of such an expensive four-door hatchback. Every Panamera comes with a boosted engine, but only some wear the Turbo badge. We review those models separately. The base rear-wheel-drive Panamera and all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 feature a 325-hp turbocharged 2.6-liter V-6. Under the hood of the considerably quicker 4S model—60 mph in 3.6 seconds—is a 440-hp twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6. Upgrading to the GTS gives you a 473-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. It’s the best performing of the non-Turbo line; however, its suspension sacrifices some ride quality in the name of handling. Porsche also offers plug-in Panameras, with a 455-hp powertrain in the 4 E-Hybrid and a 552-hp setup in the 4S E-Hybrid. Buyers looking for an all-electric Porsche should check out the new Taycan.

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