I drove all variants of the 2010 Porsche Panamera last week in Germany...

[Emission]

I was fortunate enough to be invited to Germany to be one of the first journalists to drive Porsche's new Panamera. While it's no 911, it is very enjoyable to drive (and quite bloody fast). Once you get over the looks (some like it, most don't), it is an amazing piece of machinery. I am sure more than a few of you will have one in your garage in the future.

Here are my impressions and pictures:

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/25/first-drive-2010-porsche-panamera-a-4-door-sedan-78-years-in-th/

- Mike

(Pelican doesn't have a "Panamera" forum right now. I'm posting this here as I feel most of you are wondering about Porsche's newest venture into the 4-door sedan segment.)

[safe]

The first 3 pictures of the white car is the first pictures I've seen where I think it looks good.

[McLovin]

"the team stuck with the philosophy that form would follow function."

I don't think that really applies well to a 4 door, front engined car that is styled to look like a rear engined, air cooled car.

[tsiegwart]

It does appear to be quite an impressive vehicle, but man it is ugly. I think that's a problem. I wanted it to look really cool like an Aston or Maserati. Is that wrong?

[McLovin]

Yes, that is wrong. Porsche is run by marketing now. And marketing says ALL new products must look as closely as possible to a 911. No matter how absurd that is from a technical or creative standpoint.

[Emission]

Originally Posted by safe

The first 3 pictures of the white car is the first pictures I've seen where I think it looks good.

It's not exactly photogenic.

In person, you'll be amazed at how much larger it is. In one of my shots (not published), you can see it next to a Cayman that just happened to be driving by:



- Mike

[911Freak]

Nice write up Mike!

The white Turbo looks "OK"; good stance, muscular, intended performance cues etc...

However I just can't get into that "4S" in the dark green, it does absolutely nothing for me. In fact, for me it takes away form from any style function the body shape may emit?!
It seems to exaggerate just how awkward the rear 3rd of the body looks.

Oddly enough though, the view from behind isn't as bad...atleast we can see some of the heritage of the marque from that angle...

Overall?

I don't see myself ever shopping in that class and if I did I'd go with a Masarati Quatroporte

[Monza_dh]

Why not a two door 2+2 Panamera?

Can someone photshop nip and tuck it?

Wait a minute.....a two door 2+2 is a.....

[JP911]

Originally Posted by Monza_dh

Why not a two door 2+2 Panamera?

Can someone photshop nip and tuck it?

Wait a minute.....a two door 2+2 is a.....

Kind of like an oversized 928.

[RWebb]

well, it is halfway to a station wagon...

I say buy a Q-porte & also get a 325 wagon if you need one...

[chocolatelab]

I like that white turbo.

Apparently I have to cause my wife said I would get **** everynight if I got her one.

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by Monza_dh

Why not a two door 2+2 Panamera?

Can someone photshop nip and tuck it?

Wait a minute.....a two door 2+2 is a.....

Quick & dirty (slightly shortened wheelbase):

[john walker's workshop]

beautiful.......scenery.

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

beautiful.......scenery.

What...I should make a silk purse out of a sows ear?

[Elombard]

Cool, sounds like a great 4 door sedan. Not for everyone but a great performer. I cant wait to see on in real life.

[Emission]

Originally Posted by chocolatelab

I like that white turbo.

Apparently I have to cause my wife said I would get **** everynight if I got her one.

While I didn't see a sticker price in any of the vehicles, that white Turbo is going to have a price around its neck of about $140,000 (base price is $132,600).

That is some expensive ****.

- Mike

[c019740]

Waaaay too many buttons and controls inside the cockpit area, especially by the shifter. Looks Japanese. Other than that the interior looks nice, looks cramped.... but it’s a photo. Exterior doesn’t look good. Should have made it closer to the BMW 745 or Mercedes 500 or something like that.

[burgermeister]

None of it is my bag, but I like that it's different. Who needs another 7-series clone? Looks like it has fantastic utility and great performance in one package, it doesn't look like anything else out there, and it's not over-the-top like a Fisker or a Quattroporte. Porsche has always done cars a little understated and a bit different than the mainstream, and I guess I like that quirkiness. Though, I also like cheap ... and 90K is definitely NOT cheap.

[TR]

photoshop it into a bus.

[tharbert]

For comparison purposes...here's the 65' Panamera (thanks Geronimo 74):