In the world of large luxury sedans, there's so many to choose from these days. When you factor in the all-new and varied sport-utlity vehicles on the market, it gets even tougher to make a decision.
If you want pure luxury, you go with a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a Land Rover Range Rover. If you want something sporting then you should think about a Tesla Model S or possibly the Maserati Quattroporte.
Porsche Panamera
But what about if you want both? And, you want it to have a longer wheelbase because you're either a dictator or pampered C-level executive? In these dire circumstances, the elite are screwed.
Well, at least they were.
Now the Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive is here to address all of their previous concerns. While I've driven just about every other Panamera in existence — the hybrid eludes me — I had not previously piloted the top dog. Although, I have to say, you wouldn't know where it stands in the Porsche hierarchy judging from its exterior design.
Please note: Below are file photos of the standard wheelbase Panamera GTS and Panamera Turbo models.
Porsche Panamera
Walking around the long wheelbase Turbo S I was seeking out the particularly unique bits and nothing really jumped out at me. Yes, it had a massive quad-tipped exhaust and yellow brake calipers that clamp down on carbon ceramic discs. Of course there's the automatically activating rear spoiler that's slightly differentiated over the standard Panameras, but considering it's hidden you'll never see it unless you're attached to its ass end at over 75 mph. Hell, it doesn't even appear especially long or awkwardly elongated. The only way someone will really know is when they open the rear door and check out the additional 5.9 inches added to the wheelbase that makes the door card seem a bit streeeetched.
Slipping behind the familiar three-spoke wheel it's very much the same Panamera I drove back at Road America when it first launched. Personally, I still like this interior a lot though its infotainment screen seems miniscule when compared to the likes of the 12 inchers in Mercedes and Lexus products these days. Sure, there's a ton of buttons but Porsche was smart to cluster them so it's very intuitive once you've been in the car only a couple times.
As this is the big daddy Panamera, it is equipped like it. That means there's an awful lot of hide covering all of the surfaces you see. None of the switchgear feels cheap or out of place to me. This should come as no surprise as I've been quite vocal over the years about how nice of a space this is. Of course some of the buttons on the center stack for the infotainment unit are truly tiny but this is nothing new to the Porsche experience — it is certainly annoying but not a dealbreaker.
Hopping in the backseat reveals limo-like luxury. While legroom wasn't problematic in the standard wheelbase Panamera, it is not even something to consider in the long-wheelbase variant. As you'd expect in a top-tier executive car there's a variety of controls to find your perfect level of comfort in the back. Personally, I appreciate the well sculpted rear seats that provides passengers with an individual place over a bench set up.
But, to be honest, I didn't spend much time in the back seat. That's because I was driving. If you've been searching for a large luxury sedan to pull double duty this is your best bet. Simply put, there's no other sedan of this size and caliber that can give you both a sports car-like thrill, and have a hired hand chauffeur you to your favorite downtown destination.
I found this out very quickly.
Please note: Below are file photos of the standard wheelbase Panamera GTS and Panamera Turbo models.
Porsche Panamera
As this is the Turbo S variant, it is equipped with a 4.8-liter bi-turbo V8 motor that churns out an impressive 570 horsepower and up to 590 lb.-ft. of torque. Coupled with this sizable powertrain is a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that's world-renowed for its capabilities. It's PDK. I still think a lot of people are sleeping on this transmission because it doesn't get as much credit as it deserves. It ensures power delivery is as instantaneous as possible and the shifts are super sophisticated. There's no lag nor is there transmission shock. Considering what it's doing and at the speed it executes, it really is a marvel.
If you've driven a Panamera Turbo or Turbo S then you already know what you're getting into. Power is ample everywhere in the rev range but what makes this engine standout is how sharp and responsive it is. In Sport Plus do not blink while in first gear or you'll be hitting the rev limiter before you can think "shift." Zero to 60 happens in 3.6 seconds, but who's counting?
Although I don't think any self-respecting chauffeur would utilize Launch Control with clients/passengers inside, it sure does make for a good way to blow off some steam after a rough day at the office. This is a perfect example that speaks to the Panamera Turbo S Executive's dual personality.
If you want, feel free to dial up all the vehicle's driving settings and you have a wildcat on your hands. Turn them all off, however, and you have a perfectly suitable town car that will take care of you over the roughest roads thanks to the car's finely tuned suspension.
Driving around urban, pock-marked surfaces the ride was is better than what you'd expect to find in any other large luxury sedan. While it's not as isolated and well dampened as the Mercedes S-Class, this is the price you pay for a more sporting personality.
Speaking of which, where I was especially blown away with the long wheelbase's performance was in the corners. That's because it feels exactly the same as the standard wheelbase car. Usually if you add some length and, inevitably, weight, you will notice it a touch. Not so in this Porsche.
Steering remains weighted without going overboard and with Sport Plus enabled the suspension does a great job keeping the longer Panamera stiff. What's particularly shocking is the S' steering rack that is direct and sharp on turn in. Putting it through its paces, the Turbo S remains planted as though the vehicle is stuck to the pavement. I am not sure what it takes to break the tires loose in this vehicle but it is a challenge as my efforts were unsuccessful. No matter what you do the tires hook up and off you go — very very fast.
So, lets look at the laundry list here. The Panamera Turbo S Executive has:
- An exceptionally well-trimmed interior,
- Blistering performance,
- It drives better than many of today's purpose-built sports cars,
- A luxury ride that bests many of today's large luxury sedans,
- Ample space and comfort in the rear seats, thanks to the extended wheelbase; and,
- Probably the best transmission I've experienced in any auto.
This begs the question "Why aren't they selling?" I visited a couple local area New York Tri-State region dealers and they told me they can't move the things. It's a bit befuddling to me but perhaps that speaks to the strength in form of the Tesla Model S and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Personally, if I wanted to have my cake and eat it too — I mean a sporty vehicle to get me smiling as well as a luxury cruiser — I'd opt for the Panamera Executive. While there's no question the S is the go-to choice for the best luxury sedan, it is the definition of old man-ish. That's fine, if you're into that sort of thing. The Tesla Model S is the go-to product if you want to appear cutting edge and as though you're saving the world. In reality though the above are the choice of those without imagination. Just my two cents.
Give me the Panamera and a bunch of smiles, any day of the week.
The Good:
- The power is immense
- Simply put, PDK is a masterpiece —still — as shifts are seamless and power is not interrupted as you shift gears
- Ride is not compromised as the vehicle's suspension is super compliant and handles bumps better than just about all the competition
The Bad:
- It is a Panamera still, so it's exterior design is not for everyone — on the plus side it isn't awkwardly stretched over the standard wheelbase variant
- The Panamera Turbo S Executive is priced like a flagship — base price = $200,500
- The infotainment screen's size needs to grow due to today's standards — the Panamera is at the end of its respective lifecycle so this is not a HUGE surprise
The Lowdown:
The Porsche Panamera has been an absolutely brilliant machine. It's only fitting that its flagship continues to raise the bar from a luxury perspective as well as from a performance standpoint. It is an incredibly capable product that really makes the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 feel like the plebeian choice. When it comes to luxury it is up there with the best of them although an S-Class or Range Rover would edge it out in terms of overall comfort. I think the problem here isn't that Porsche made a product no one wants, it's that if I want a proper sports car I'll go grab a 911 GTS and if I want a smoother ride I'd hop into one of the former for a more isolated experience. And, if I am an ego-centric buyer, at this price point I can grab a Bentley, which will get more attention when I roll up to my destination. It's a tough market to play in and to really appreciate it you have to look at the Panamera Turbo S Executive as an exercise in the possible with Porsche. For many consumers checking out this ride I think its tough to swallow the price tag especially when most drivers will get what they need out of the versions that cost half the investment.
Please note: Below are file photos of the standard wheelbase Panamera GTS and Panamera Turbo models.
Porsche Panamera
