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2018 Porsche Panamera review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Porsche Panamera highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

Pros

  • Strong acceleration
  • Sports car handling
  • Premium interior

Cons

  • Disappointing infotainment system
  • Standard four-passenger seating
  • Limited utility

Mileage (EPA estimate)

18 city, 23 highway, 20 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

The 2018 Porsche Panamera delivers sports car handling in a luxury four-door sedan

The Panamera, Porsche's first family-sized four-door sedan, was introduced to the U.S. market in 2011. After a complete redesign in 2017, the look of the Panamera remains unchanged for the 2018 model year; however, there are a few significant updates. For 2018 Porsche added the new Sport Turismo, a much more attractive version of the Panamera styled as a sport wagon. Also new is the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, which takes its place as the most powerful variant in the lineup, boasting 677 horsepower from its twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain. With the addition of the Sport Turismo body style and potent hybrid powertrain, the Panamera offers three different body styles and five different engine options. While the new Turbo S E-Hybrid is at the top of the food chain, Porsche also offers the Panamera with a turbocharged V6 engine, a turbocharged V8, and a V6 hybrid powertrain, the latter of which delivers up to 30 miles of electric-only driving. All but the base-level trim come standard with all-wheel drive.

All Porsche Panamera years

What is new for the 2018 Porsche Panamera?

  • The Panamera is available in a variety of new trims, including the 4 Sport Turismo, 4S Sport Turismo, and Turbo Sport Turismo.
  • Panamera trims have been upgraded with Rear Sunshade, Panoramic Sunroof, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment this year.
  • Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The 4 Executive trim now comes with Rear Seat Heaters as standard equipment.
  • The 4S Executive trim now comes with Rear Seat Heaters as standard equipment.

2018 Porsche Panamera trims

Curious how Porsche Panamera trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

4:

4 Executive:

  • Includes all features available on the 4
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear Seat Heaters

4 Sport Turismo:

  • Includes all features available on the 4 Executive
  • Adjustable Suspension

4S:

  • Includes all features available on the 4 Sport Turismo
  • 440-hp, 405-lb-ft of torque 2.9L

4S Executive:

  • Includes all features available on the 4S
  • 122 inch wheelbase

4S Sport Turismo:

  • Includes all features available on the 4S Executive
  • 116.1 inch wheelbase

Turbo:

  • Includes all features available on the 4S Sport Turismo
  • 550-hp, 567-lb-ft of torque 4.0L
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels

Turbo Executive:

  • Includes all features available on the Turbo
  • 122 inch wheelbase

Turbo Sport Turismo:

  • Includes all features available on the Turbo Executive
  • 116.1 inch wheelbase

Porsche Panamera photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Porsche Panamera

What We Like

Driving: Every variant of the Panamera brings impressive performance and handling to the road or track. Even the base-level trim brings good power, but the new Turbo S E-Hybrid will launch to 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds—very quick for a four-door sedan. All Panameras feature Porsche's eight-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox for quick and smooth shifts, even under full throttle.

Interior: The Panamera's interior is well thought out, with controls within easy reach of the driver. Buttons in the center console have been replaced with soft-touch haptic controls that have a high-tech look but can be more challenging to use while driving. The driving position has the feel of a cockpit with multiple display screens, but overall the car feels quite spacious inside.

Comfort: Front seats provide good side and back bolsters for support and comfort. While there is the option for three passengers in the rear seat, the standard dual-seat option offers more comfort and is available with a high-tech center console between the seats. There is good leg- and headroom for rear seat passengers; however, the Sport Turismo provides more space for taller passengers.

What Needs Improvement

Technology: Porsche introduced a new infotainment system with the latest redesign, but the functionality is still somewhat complex and not as intuitive as the competition. Voice control could also be better. The digital touchscreen interface to adjust the center vent control looks cool but is not very useful or intuitive.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2018 Porsche Panamera is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

2
Average

RepairPal gave the Porsche Panamera an overall reliability rating of 2 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Porsche Panamera 42nd out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Porsche Panamera

Porsche Panamera features and specs

Base 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Burmester Audio
  • CD Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Rear A/C Seat(s)
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Smart Key

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.0L

Horsepower

330

Torque (ft-lbs)

331

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

23.7

Wheelbase

116.1"

Overall length

198.8"

Width

76.3"

Height

56"

Front tires

P265/45YR19

Rear tires

P295/40YR19

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Porsche Panamera FAQ

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