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2018 Porsche Panamera review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Porsche Panamera highlights

Customer rating

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

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Year

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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

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Porsche Panamera generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2018 Porsche Panamera?

  • New trim added for enhanced customization options.
  • Standard safety features now included across all models.
  • Introduction of advanced infotainment system with improved connectivity.
  • Higher fuel efficiency ratings for select engine options.
  • Optional luxury package available for additional comfort and style.

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:

4 Sport Turismo:

4S:

4S Executive:

4S Sport Turismo:

Turbo:

Turbo Executive:

Turbo Sport Turismo:

Porsche Panamera photos

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

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 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

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

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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