2016 Porsche Panamera

The 2016 Porsche Panamera is available with a lot of options to choose from. You can choose power options too with three engine configurations available. Some of the trims available are Base, Edition, 4, 4 Edition, S, and 4S. The 4 configuration features an excellent all-wheel-drive system which gives an extra edge to the driver experience in the Panamera. On the other side, we have the premium Sport, S, and 4S models with a more powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 Engine churning out 420 hp. Some of the standard features on the base models of the Panamera include automatic bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, cruise control, a sunroof, a power liftgate, and dual-zone automatic climate control among other features.

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Which version to buy? It really just depends on an individual's choice and priorities. But for an average buyer, the base V6 powered models would suffice with trims such as the base and Edition. If you require extra legroom at the back, you can opt for the Executive trim since it has a longer wheelbase along with some more premium features such as soft-close doors.

The Porsche Panamera is known for its scintillating performance inspired by the 911. The potent 3.6-liter V6 offers great power output, putting out around 310 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. The transmission system is a big game-changer with an 8-speed Automatic PDK gearbox. The refinement levels of the motor are impressive, yet it gives out a sporty exhaust note when pushed hard. The powerful combo makes the car sprint to 0-60 mph in about 6 seconds, which could have been much better compared to its rivals. The braking mechanism of the Panamera takes a long 113 ft. to a complete halt from 60-0 mph.

The BMW 6 Series makes similar horsepower to the Panamera, but the former’s higher torque and brilliant transmission make it quicker than the latter. The Audi A7 is the most powerful option here with impressive acceleration times and braking performance as well. When comparing the price tag of the sedans in the competition, Porsche is the most expensive option.

The 2016 Porsche Panamera is one of the best cars in the segment in terms of performance to fuel economy ratio. Irrespective of the capacity of the powertrain and the performance numbers, the car offers a decent fuel economy, with 20 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on speedways. The sedan comes with a fuel tank capacity of 21.1 gallons, resulting in a highway range of 590 miles.

The BMW 6 Series impresses the most with its fuel economy ratings despite being quicker and delivering more torque than the Panamera. The Audi A7 also has impressive fuel economy ratings considering its excellent performance levels. When comparing the overall range of the sedans in the competition, Audi has the most at 594 miles.

The 2016 Porsche Panamera interior is all enthralled with luxury by having plush and luxurious cabin appointments. The car definitely lacks in terms of cargo space and could have offered more. The cabin offers some creature comfort features such as adjustable seats for a comfortable drive, a driver eccentric dashboard to toggle on the switches to change modes, a fully integrated steering wheel with mounted controls for the infotainment system, and many more. Premium seating is offered wrapped with soft leather upholstery. 

The BMW 6 Series offers the maximum headroom for the front seats, making it quite comfortable for the driver and the front co-passenger. However, its rear seats are not quite practical for tall adults over long trips. The Audi A7 seriously lacks in terms of headroom, owing to its awkwardly low roofline, but its cabin is at par with the Porsche in terms of comfort and features. The A7 also offers the best cargo space as well. Some interior features are:

• Leather upholstery
• Heated Front and rear seats
• Keyless Entry
• Driver and passenger lumbar adjustment
• Seat memory settings
• Power adjustable driver’s seat and front passenger seat
• Dual Zone automatic climate control

How intuitive is the 2016 Porsche Panamera’s infotainment unit?

As standard, the 2016 Porsche Panamera comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen display which incorporates the brand’s proprietary Porsche Communication Management system. The user interface is smooth, but the graphics and the overall experience feel dated as compared to its rivals. Some of the standard features on offer are a navigation system, smartphone app integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 11-speaker sound system among others. Some standout infotainment features are:

• Porsche Communication Management infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen
• Bluetooth and WiFi Connectivity
• A Bose or Burmester premium audio system
• A rear-seat entertainment system with dual 7-inch screens(optional)
• Satellite Radio and HD Radio
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• MP3 Player

The 2016 Porsche Panamera is one of the most rewarding four-door flagship models to drive. The exterior of the car is aerodynamically quite efficient than most of its rivals with round corners and a flowing design to defy air resistance. The body is capable enough to take advantage of aerodynamics and use it to save fuel. The front end looks like a traditional Porsche, devoid of any aggressive styling and a low-slung appearance. The 18-inch wheels give a sporty vibe as compared to the rivals. The ground clearance of the Panamera is quite good in comparison to its rivals, which gives it more stability and flexibility to drive on a lot of road conditions.

The BMW 6 Series has a mildly aggressive yet elegant design and is almost similar to the Panamera in terms of exterior dimensions. It, however, lacks the smooth and flowing design of the Panamera. The Audi A7 is, perhaps, the best and most aggressive-looking vehicle in the segment, and its external design cues are way better than the Panamera. Some standout exterior features are:

• 18-inch Wheels
• Automatic wipers
• A power liftgate
• Chrome window surrounds
• Quad exhaust tips

The new 2016 Porsche Panamera is loaded with a range of advanced safety features. It doesn’t have any crash scores from the NHTSA or the IIHS but promises complete peace of mind with superior build quality and a host of safety techs underneath. Some of the safety techs include Emergency Brake assist which is capable of slowing or even stopping the car in case of an emergency, Seatbelt pre-tensioners for that extra safety, Highly sensitive anti lock braking system, Daytime running lights, Real-time tire pressure monitoring system, Lane departure assistance for a safe and quick lane change, and many more. Few salient safety features include:

• Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
• Rear passenger Airbags
• Emergency Braking Assist
• Child Seat Anchors
• Seatbelt pre-tensioners
• Height-adjustable safety belts
• Anti-lock Braking System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring
• Lane departure warning (Optional)
• Blind spot sensor (Optional)

The 2016 Porsche Panamera is definitely meant to be a driver's car with impressive performance and relatively decent fuel economy as well. The car is a perfect blend of luxury and sportiness, which delivers a very memorable experience to its riders. Apart from space constraints and a slightly higher price tag, the car is ready to burn performance parameters. It is truly a performance sedan for a family person.