Used Porsche Panamera 2016-2023 review
Four-seat grand tourer bids to redefine performance in the luxury class Anyone on the hunt for a luxurious four-seat grand tourer will surely have the Porsche Panamera high on their list of potential buys – if not right at the top.This is a striking super-saloon that is almost peerless in its ability to blend blistering pace with stunning dynamics and cosseting high-end refinement.The first-generation Panamera is looking like great value these days – if you can overlook its flaws.It was extremely fast and good to drive, but it didn’t quite clear the high bar set by rivals such as the Audi RS7 and BMW M5 due to a clumsy ride and tricky hatchback boot.Instead, we would recommend forking out for the more stylish and sophisticated second-generation ‘971’ version: a bona fide greatest hit from Weissach, and one that can be yours for as little as £30,000.If you’re not already taken by the comfort, space, speed and versatility on offer, you will certainly be hooked by the diverse range of petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains that are available.Of the petrols, there’s the 325bhp 3.0-litre Panamera (available with four-wheel drive), the 4S with a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 and the 456bhp plug-in E-Hybrid, which enhances that punchier V6 with a useful boost from an electric motor.The PHEV is one of the most accessible versions today, but it is just as compelling for the fact that it can do 0-62mph in 4.6sec and 31 miles on electric power – although not at the same time.Up top, the Turbo S E-Hybrid has a 542bhp twin-turbo V8 and a 134bhp electric motor for a combined 671bhp (that’s more than a Maserati MC20), for a blisteringly quick 0-62mph time of 3.5sec – and it still has a 31-mile EV range.That said, it’s a bit too heavy to offer the same sweet sporting balance as its siblings, and a well-used example will cost you around £50,000.We wouldn’t bother with the V8 GTS variant: it’s seriously fast and dynamically competent but a bit too stiff-legged to fulfil the luxury saloon/GT brief.If you’re after an oil-burner then the 4S Diesel is a very tempting package. With 416bhp and 627lb ft from its mighty twin-turbo V8, it can accelerate rapidly, but it also makes for effortless cruising. It’s a refined lump but still has a gritty V8 edge, and you’ll get close to 40mpg on motorway stints.All flavours of Panamera are lavishly appointed, with tactile metal brightwork and plush materials throughout. The 12.3in touchscreen (with sat-nav and DAB radio) is intuitive and easy to use, but the haptic buttons in the centre console are a bit fiddly.Head and leg room are good, and despite its rakish roofline, taller passengers won’t want for space in the back.If you need an extra layer of practicality, the Sport Turismo ‘estate’ is the one to go for: a tidy 45k-mile V6 hybrid example will cost you around £50,000.The facelift in 2021 brought styling tweaks and uplifts in power to various models, but if we were to pick one from that lot it would be the Turbo S.It makes 621bhp and is a true do-it-all luxury Porsche, with bucketloads of performance plus agile, incisive handling and impressive ride comfort. Engine and bodystyle aside, the Mk2 Panamera is a brilliant luxury GT car that can be exuberant and fun but also calm and assured, while putting you right at the centre of the action.From £30k, it’s a bargain you might regret missing.
Four-seat grand tourer bids to redefine performance in the luxury class
Anyone on the hunt for a luxurious four-seat grand tourer will surely have the Porsche Panamera high on their list of potential buys – if not right at the top.This is a striking super-saloon that is almost peerless in its ability to blend blistering pace with stunning dynamics and cosseting high-end refinement.The first-generation Panamera is looking like great value these days – if you can overlook its flaws.It was extremely fast and good to drive, but it didn’t quite clear the high bar set by rivals such as the Audi RS7 and BMW M5 due to a clumsy ride and tricky hatchback boot.Instead, we would recommend forking out for the more stylish and sophisticated second-generation ‘971’ version: a bona fide greatest hit from Weissach, and one that can be yours for as little as £30,000.If you’re not already taken by the comfort, space, speed and versatility on offer, you will certainly be hooked by the diverse range of petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains that are available.Of the petrols, there’s the 325bhp 3.0-litre Panamera (available with four-wheel drive), the 4S with a twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 and the 456bhp plug-in E-Hybrid, which enhances that punchier V6 with a useful boost from an electric motor.The PHEV is one of the most accessible versions today, but it is just as compelling for the fact that it can do 0-62mph in 4.6sec and 31 miles on electric power – although not at the same time.Up top, the Turbo S E-Hybrid has a 542bhp twin-turbo V8 and a 134bhp electric motor for a combined 671bhp (that’s more than a Maserati MC20), for a blisteringly quick 0-62mph time of 3.5sec – and it still has a 31-mile EV range.That said, it’s a bit too heavy to offer the same sweet sporting balance as its siblings, and a well-used example will cost you around £50,000.We wouldn’t bother with the V8 GTS variant: it’s seriously fast and dynamically competent but a bit too stiff-legged to fulfil the luxury saloon/GT brief.If you’re after an oil-burner then the 4S Diesel is a very tempting package. With 416bhp and 627lb ft from its mighty twin-turbo V8, it can accelerate rapidly, but it also makes for effortless cruising. It’s a refined lump but still has a gritty V8 edge, and you’ll get close to 40mpg on motorway stints.All flavours of Panamera are lavishly appointed, with tactile metal brightwork and plush materials throughout. The 12.3in touchscreen (with sat-nav and DAB radio) is intuitive and easy to use, but the haptic buttons in the centre console are a bit fiddly.Head and leg room are good, and despite its rakish roofline, taller passengers won’t want for space in the back.If you need an extra layer of practicality, the Sport Turismo ‘estate’ is the one to go for: a tidy 45k-mile V6 hybrid example will cost you around £50,000.The facelift in 2021 brought styling tweaks and uplifts in power to various models, but if we were to pick one from that lot it would be the Turbo S.It makes 621bhp and is a true do-it-all luxury Porsche, with bucketloads of performance plus agile, incisive handling and impressive ride comfort. Engine and bodystyle aside, the Mk2 Panamera is a brilliant luxury GT car that can be exuberant and fun but also calm and assured, while putting you right at the centre of the action.From £30k, it’s a bargain you might regret missing. 
