2015 Porsche Panamera

New for 2015

Changes for 2015 include a top-of-the-line Panamera Turbo S that features a 570-horsepower twin-turbo V8 and standard LED headlights. Additionally, all models now come with standard satellite radio HD radio, and Porsche Online Services.

Embracing Greatness

It’s never easy witnessing the evolution of a brand or person. Like a computer company moving into the smartphone business or a musician trying his or her hand at acting (or vice versa). Sure, these endeavors are met with varying degrees of success; they don’t always work out, but sometimes they do. And at the very least, it’s a fair to say that as human beings, we don’t always embrace change in the calmest manner.

So when Porsche, an automaker founded on developing some of the most exhilarating sports cars the world has ever seen, introduced the four-door Panamera sedan in 2010, more than a few eyebrows were raised. Purists banged their chests and, for one brief moment, the sky appeared to barrel down towards the earth. That is…until people got behind the wheel.

With true-to-form Porsche performance and the ability to cradle four passengers in absolute luxury, the Panamera went on to prove that it was more than worthy of wearing the famous Porsche badge, and is one of the automaker’s best-selling models.

For 2015, the Panamera continues its march toward automotive greatness, providing the type of flexibility driver’s need, while offering the athletic handling they desire. In truth, it’s a car for virtually all occasions, which is reflected in its increasing popularity.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2015 Porsche Panamera can be had in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (AWD models are designated with the number 4) and is available with a number of different powertrains, beginning with a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 that is good for 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

It’s worth noting that every Panamera model apart from the S E-Hybrid utilize a seven-speed automated manual Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission. And while it may prove a mouthful to say, the double-clutch nature of the PDK system enables gear changes to take place within milliseconds and provides more rapid response from throttle input.

The RWD Panamera S and AWD 4S employ a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 rated at 420 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque.

The Panamera GTS is offered with RWD only, and is motivated by a 4.8-liter V8 that generates 440 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque.

Next up is the AWD Panamera Turbo. It gets a turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 that pumps out 520 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The Panamera Turbo can even temporarily boost its total output via an optional Sport Chrono package to 568 lb-ft at full throttle.

If you can believe it, the Turbo S serves up even more power thanks to some tinkering with the V8. Here, total output increase to 570 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.

Finally, the Panamera S E-Hybrid features a 3.0-liter V6 that is paired with a 95-hp electric motor. Total combined output measures an impressive 416 hp. Meanwhile, the S E-Hybrid ditches the PDK in favor of a more conventional eight-speed automatic.

Because of its unique powertrain, the S E-Hybrid can travel up to 15 miles on electricity alone at speeds of up to 83 mph, returning an EPA-estimated 50 MPGe in combined city/highway driving.* Of course, the S E-Hybrid can travel on gasoline alone, as well. Running on gasoline the Panamera S E-Hybrid returns 35 mpg combined.*

Features and Trims

The 2015 Porsche Panamera starts at $78,100** and is available in an astounding 11 trim levels: base, 4, S, 4S, S E-Hybrid, GTS, Turbo, Turbo S and the extended-wheelbase 4S Executive, Turbo Executive and Turbo S Executive.

Base models are anything but, and come well-equipped with 18-inch wheels, auto-leveling bi-xenon headlights, LED headlight and taillight accents, and front and rear parking sensors. Other amenities include a sunroof, power liftgate, eight-way power heated front seats, and partial leather upholstery. Also standard are a 4.8-inch driver information display located in the driver gauge cluster, a navigation system with center-mounted seven-inch display, and an 11-speaker sound system, complete with Bluetooth®, satellite, and HD radio.

Naturally, stepping up to the subsequent models provide a number of upgrade and enhancements. Highlights include larger wheels, LED headlights, keyless ignition/entry, full leather interior, and 14-ay power front seats with memory functions. Also available is an upgraded 14-speaker Bose® premium sound system.

Exterior/Interior

Even with four doors there’s no mistaking the Panamera as a Porsche. It’s sleek, windswept proportions and sumptuous curves quickly identify the sport sedan’s German heritage. Last year, the Panamera received a slight update to its styling, and for 2015 the exterior changes are minimal. Of course, the rear hatch remains a contentious piece of Porsche design that will continue to divide critics. Nevertheless, the 2015 Panamera is one sharp-looking sports sedan.

Modern and meticulous. Two words that sum up the Panamera’s interior to a tee. What we have here is a cabin that exudes luxury and provides a clear example of Porsche’s premium pedigree. Yes, we are all aware that Porsche knows sporty, but it also knows luxury, and nowhere is that more evident than in the 2015 Panamera.

Truly, there is a lot to fall in love with here. The layout is clean and functional, providing a number of easy to reach buttons for various infotainment and climate controls. Seating is another high note, offering plenty of head, shoulder, and leg room for taller occupants. Panamera owners will also appreciate the sedan’s generous luggage volume, which offers up 15.7 cubic-feet with rear seats up and swells to 44.6 cubic-feet with those same seats folded down.

Safety

The 2015 Porsche Panamera features a robust standard safety suite that includes antilock brakes, stability control, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags an front knee airbags.

A rearview camera is an available option, as is a blind-spot monitoring system. The Panamera can also be outfitted with adaptive cruise control, which is bundled with a forward collision mitigation system that issues audible and visual warnings before automatically taking over and applying the brakes in the event of an imminent collision.

Bottom Line

While the Panamera will continue to divide opinion as to its place in the Porsche stable, there is no denying its quality. With the handling and athleticism of a supercar mixed with the elegance of a true luxury sedan, there is seemingly nothing the Panamera can’t do. Toss in a number of increasingly potent drivetrains and available AWD, and the Panamera continues to defy logic while converting skeptics into repentant believers on corner at a time.

For more information, or to experience the Panamera for yourself, stop by or contact our dealership today to schedule a test drive.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions and habits.

**MSRP excludes any government fees or taxes, titling and registration fees, any finance charges, fees, or taxes.

Image: Porsche (European models shown)