2nd Porsche Panamera
Sport Turismo scores on cabin comfort, tech and everyday usability, but is ultimately too pricey
THE standard Panamera is Porsche’s take on a practical, comfortable sports saloon. But this new Sport Turismo version means it’s finally able to cut it with a genuine hot estate like the Mercedes-amg E 63 S, thanks to its extra luggage space and seating for five people – although it’s actually not that much more practical than the regular car.
It’s also not as powerful as the E 63, with 542bhp to the Mercedes’ 604bhp. Yet in our performance tests, the Porsche’s superb PDK transmission with its amazingly effective launch control system and a slightly lower kerbweight ensured that the two models were very close.
The Porsche took just 3.2 seconds to go from 0-60mph, a tenth faster than the more powerful Mercedes. Both cars are staggeringly quick from a standstill, but the Panamera’s launch control gives it a slight initial advantage. Going through the gears, the Porsche took just 2.4 seconds to accelerate from 30-70mph, again a tenth quicker.
But the Mercedes’ extra power helped it beat the Panamera at higher speeds, and in-gear. From 50-70mph the AMG was faster in every gear, although that’s also partly down to the extra ratio over the eight-speed Porsche.
Yet the Panamera’s PDK transmission is faster and smoother-shifting whether you’re pushing hard or just driving normally. The Mercedes’ extra torque means its performance is more effortless, but the Porsche’s V8 engine is hardly lacking here, and only feels marginally less muscular, while the motor’s flatter rumble gives it a different personality to the AMG.
The Panamera’s air suspension is softer and more compliant than the AMG’S, but controls roll just as well. Where the E 63 crashes into potholes and constantly vibrates on a motorway, even with the adaptive dampers set to Comfort mode, the Porsche is comfortable enough on a poorly-surfaced road, despite the fact our car was wearing larger 21-inch alloys than the AMG’S 20s. Toggle the three-stage adaptive dampers to Sport+ and the chassis feels more agile (helped by the £1,536 rear-axle steering) and better tied-down, but on the road the softest setting is just right.
The clever chassis tech means the Panamera doesn’t feel its 2,035kg weight. The steering has a lovely weight and there’s enough grip to drive the car quickly with confidence. Although it’s not as playful as the E 63, the sophisticated four-wheel-drive system means the Sport Turismo Turbo is still a great driver’s car.
DRIVING
Low driving position means the Panamera is comfy and feels special from behind the wheel. Steering is precise; you can place Sport Turismo confidently on the road, and there’s loads of grip as well.
ENGINE
The Porsche’s turbo V8 motor produces 770Nm of torque from just 1,960rpm, so it performs strongly in-gear. It’s a little down on power next to the AMG, but with 542bhp, performance is still superb.
RUNNING COSTS
Porsche’s 27.9mpg figure beat the Mercedes’ 23.4mpg. That means around 160 miles more cruising range on a tank of fuel, which might be of more interest to buyers.
RESIDUAL VALUE
Depreciation may not matter as much here, but the Panamera’s predicted residual value of 49.9 per cent means you’ll lose £59,545 against the AMG’S £40,540 (56.8 per cent).
PRACTICALITY
The Panamera Sport Turismo can seat five, but the middle rear seat is compromised, with the huge transmission tunnel limiting foot space. Still, the outer seats offer good head and legroom.
BOOT
The Porsche’s 520-litre boot trails the Mercedes’ huge 640litre space, but it’s still a large load area that will be useful for carrying luggage. It rises to 1,390 litres with the seats folded (1,820 litres in the E 63), although the shape isn’t as practical because the Panamera has a more heavily-sloping hatch. Its 40:20:40 rear seats mean long items like skis will fit, boosting flexibility.
INTERIOR & TECHNOLOGY
While the Mercedes is based on the normal E-class and uses mostly the same interior, the Panamera was designed from the outset as a luxury product, and the cabin shows that off. The Porsche has a higher-quality feel.
INFOTAINMENT
Panamera gets the latest Porsche Communication Management (PCM) set-up, with a high-res 12.0-inch touchscreen plus a touch-sensitive panel. It’s not as easy to use on the move as the Mercedes’ dial-based system.
OWNERSHIP
There are lots of features to choose from to improve the ownership experience. Rear Seat Entertainment costs £2,349 and adds two 10.0-inch touchscreens in the back.
SAFETY
Panamera has eight airbags, but not much safety kit; lane change assist is £617, while the semi-autonomous driving function is £2,438. Isofix is fitted in the rear.