What Porsche Dealers Want — A Panamera With Five Seats

...The Sport Turismo models will give Porsche dealers a five-seat Panamera to sell for the first time, something for which they've clamored.

The Panamera sedan, which was redesigned for 2017, has four seats. Due to supply challenges, it began arriving at U.S. dealerships in March, a couple of months later than expected, Joe Lawrence, COO of Porsche Cars North America Inc., said on the sidelines of the New York auto show...

...But five seats for the Sport Turismo only is not going to cut it with dealers.

"It's fair to say that dealers would like to see [five seats] also available in the sedan," Lawrence said. "That's something we're discussing, and we'll see what the future holds."

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mre30 - 4/26/2017 9:56:05 AM

+3 Boost

I have really never understood the 2+2 offering, even in large luxury sedans (and especially NOT in SUV's like the Range Rover or BMW X6.

Even in a large vehicle, the addition of a rear center console bisecting the rear compartment makes the rear of even large cars seem claustrophobic. Plus there is no where to go if you are having a bad day and just want to lay down across the rear seat and take a nap, or have your kid lay down, or put your backpack/briefcase/handbag next to you (no room on the floor for that, if two passengers!).

Automakers also say the rear console makes the cabin seem premium, like a private jet. I can assure you that I have never been in a private jet that has obstructed seating and I don't think that such a jet exists.

Enough already - get rid of the rear seat center consoles!

dumpsty - 4/26/2017 11:31:30 AM

+2 Boost

If they can make the rear center console such that it can lift-up & out of the way, that would be cool. The highly stylized rear center console is "visually" cool but very low on practicality.

quizz - 4/26/2017 2:13:27 PM

+2 Boost

Here, here. Maybe we're just not rich enough and only billionaires see the value in the rear center console - ice box for champagne?

cidflekken - 4/26/2017 2:38:14 PM

+2 Boost

Actually, in reality, there is a true functional reason for the 2-place rear seats in cars like the Panamera. The Panamera is meant for spirited driving. For the Panamera to have a true center rear seat, then that center cushion would essentially need to be flattened to accommodate rear headroom, thus practically rendering any lateral support non-existent, not including door handles.
At the end of the day, the Panamera is meant to be a true sports sedan, not a family hauler. Porsche buyers should explore the Cayenne/Macan or S/7/A8 options if that's what they really need.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 4/26/2017 7:57:42 PM

+2 Boost

Porsche buyers are in the drivers seat and if they want the Panamera to be a family car, so be it. At 5,000lbs it should have 5 good seats. I know professional couples who bought it just for the way it looks alone. I am sure it is a very quick fix on the production line and we will see in for the 2018 model year.

qwertyfla - 4/26/2017 8:08:05 PM

0 Boost

Now you will finally be able to get laid in a Porsche and not have to spring for those expensive Motel 8's fo yo ho bro!

supermoto - 4/27/2017 12:29:58 PM

+2 Boost

What I want is a Panamera coupe (new version of a 928).

t_bone - 4/27/2017 9:17:35 PM

+1 Boost

It's image, just like those lightweight fabric door pulls in the RS versions that were hanging out of a probably stock 12 lb interior door panel.