First Drive: 2011 Porsche Panamera V6 Page 3

By Bengt Halvorson

Bengt Halvorson

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Bengt Halvorson is Deputy Editor of High Gear Media's portfolio of car sites, overseeing the production of reviews, evaluating vehicles firsthand... More

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2011 Porsche Panamera V-6

Back to that quirky exterior, after being inside the Panamera for just a little while, it all makes more sense. That bulbous tail does indeed pay dividends as soon as you climb into the backseat or try to use the cargo hold. You’ll find way more backseat space in the Panamera than in the Quattroporte, the CLS, or nearly any other sporty four-door cars. The Panamera has lots of legroom for two tall passengers to feel really comfortable and sprawl their legs out with an average driver ahead. The back seat isn’t at all claustrophobic, and there’s an airiness that’s a bit unexpected—thanks to the Panamera’s bulged-out roofline (and headliner). This six-foot-six driver was able to be a passenger back there, with just enough headroom. And the seats fold forward; it's a hatchback, after all.

Interior is surprisingly airy, spacious

To pack an old-style Porsche interior—drab plastic and all—into the Panamera would have been product suicide. But instead, as we've reported before, Porsche overdelivered here with a beautiful, sumptuous interior that simultaneously has both an aggressive coupe-like feel and maintains an airy cabin. If you’re the passenger in front, looking back, the Panamera can also feel like two cars in one. From the front seats forward it doesn't take much imagination to think that you're in an exceptionally plush Porsche 911. Though the engine sound obviously isn't quite the same, the view out ahead is remarkably similar.

There’s no raked-back leisurely lux-sedan feel to the seats or driving position up front; as in Porsche’s sports cars it’s very easy to find comfortable, rather upright seating position with a commanding view ahead over a low hoodline. Some might find it cluttered, while others will think of it as sensible and less distracting. Though disorienting at first, even after a few hours it felt familiar and we found having dedicated buttons for nearly everything to be refreshing and, we believe, less cognitively involving than memorizing menu structures.

There's very little difference in appearance between the V-6 and V-8 models—only the standard smaller 18-inch wheels, different single-oval exhaust tips, and matte-black (instead of chrome) side-window trim—and Porsche plans to sell a lot of Panameras with the V-6 engine here in the U.S. and Canada. In China, which is one of this four-door Porsche’s top markets, it’s predicted to be the best-seller of the lineup.

The base sound system was one of the few disappointments we could find with the Panamera; while 100 watts should be enough, it seemed to lack proper bass support when we turned it up. We strongly recommend the available Burmester premium surround-sound system, as well as the nice, snug Adaptive Sport Seats, which have plenty of side support without feeling constraining. The available three-spoke sports steering wheel also adds a bit more coupe feel if you're the kind to pretend you're in a 911. Otherwise, as we’ve said in previous reviews of the Panamera, the switchgear—particularly the levers around the steering wheel—feels a little cut-rate, as does some of the door trim. Dual-zone climate control is standard, but if you'll be carrying finicky passengers a four-zone system is available. Other options highlights include front and rear park assist, heated and ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control and, of course, a seemingly endless list of accessories, trims, and appearance packages.

The secret that you probably shouldn't spread too much word of is that prices are way more affordable than for the V-8; the 2011 Porsche Panamera starts at $74,400, while the Panamera 4 starts at $78,900, not counting destination or the inevitable collection of options. There's a pretty big step up in price to the Panamera V-8 models, starting at around $91k, and the Turbo, at an entry point of $134k.

Ultimately, there's no doubt that those who value performance are going to choose the Panamera S or Panamera Turbo. But to understand the Panamera V6 crowd, take another walk around and ask yourself what else there is with four doors and back-seat space, in this price range, that simultaneously looks so fast and exclusive. There's not much ordinary or traditional about this phenomenal fastback, and that's a good thing.