The 2024 Porsche Panamera: A Different Kind of Luxury Sedan
The 2024 Porsche Panamera is a luxury sedan that often goes unnoticed compared to Porsche’s more popular SUVs and sports cars. Its unique body style and driving experience set it apart from other sedans in its price range, which are typically larger and more comfortable. However, being different can be a fantastic thing, and the Panamera proves just that.
Porsche has always been known for its unconventional approach, and the Panamera is no exception. It looks and drives like a Porsche, with its distinctive design and performance. Although there are a few areas where the updated Panamera has deviated from the traditional Porsche formula, overall, my experience with the base Panamera was delightful.
The Wizards’ Work: The Air Suspension
One of the standout features of the Panamera is its air suspension. While I did not have the opportunity to test the Active Ride Suspension, the standard air suspension provided an exceptional ride quality and impeccable body control. Even when faced with challenging road conditions, such as undulations on a highway on-ramp, the Panamera effortlessly glided through. The stock suspension, complemented by tasteful 20-inch Panamera Design wheels, made for a delightful driving experience.
Wait, This is the Slow One?
Despite being the base model, the Panamera 4 is far from slow. With a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds, it offers impressive acceleration. The addition of all-wheel drive enhances the launch grip and contributes to its quickness. Throughout my time with the Panamera, I never found it lacking in power or performance.
Do You Really Need All-Wheel Drive?
While all-wheel drive certainly has its advantages, I questioned the necessity of it in the Panamera. As someone residing in Southern California, I found it unlikely that I would require the extra traction provided by all-wheel drive. In fact, removing the front axle would likely improve the driving experience by reducing weight. Rear-wheel drive would suffice for most driving conditions.
A Disappointing Performance by PDK
For the first time, I found myself disappointed by Porsche’s dual-clutch automated manual transmission, known as PDK. I often had to activate Sport mode to wake the transmission up and prompt it to downshift. Even in Sport mode, it struggled to keep up during spirited driving in the mountains. Surprisingly, my test car did not include Porsche’s Sport+ mode, which typically eliminates the need for paddle shifting. Additionally, I experienced difficulty keeping the transmission in manual mode, as it would eventually upshift on its own. The three-second hold of the shifter to maintain manual control was not intuitive.
Superlative Steering and Porsche’s Signature Feel
One aspect where Porsche continues to excel is steering feel. The Panamera’s steering is exceptional, providing a connection between the driver and the car. It is a pure Porsche characteristic that sets it apart from other luxury sedans. The steering wheel itself is also a pleasure to hold and is mounted at a noticeably vertical angle, adding to the Porsche driving experience.
Drive Elements Now in Touchscreen: A Step Back
One aspect of the Panamera that left me disappointed was Porsche’s decision to replace physical buttons with a touchscreen for various drive adjustments. Instead of quickly tapping a button or touch-sensitive icon, I now had to navigate through a touchscreen menu. This departure from physical buttons does not align with the Porsche spirit. While center console buttons may have had their drawbacks, a wheel controller similar to those found in Mercedes-AMG models would have been a welcome alternative for more precise drive mode adjustments.
Touchscreen Air Vents: A Ridiculous Design Choice
The Panamera continues to feature air vents controlled by a touchscreen, resulting in an inconvenient and impractical design choice. Changing the air direction requires clicking through a touchscreen menu, which my wife found frustrating. It is perplexing that Porsche has not abandoned this design, considering the negative feedback. Other Porsche models have already eliminated this touchscreen-controlled feature, suggesting that Porsche is aware of its impracticality.
Wireless Charge Pad and Flimsy Bin Lid
The Panamera’s redesigned center console features a wireless charge bin, which is a welcome addition. It is easily accessible and provides a convenient solution for charging devices. However, the lid covering the bin is flimsy and struggled to close smoothly, which was a disappointing oversight by Porsche.
Piano Black Trim and Cheap Appearance
The numerous piano black finishings on the center console did not meet my expectations in terms of quality and appearance. It is difficult to understand how it justifies its presence in a luxury vehicle like the Panamera, especially when compared to the piano black trim in a much more affordable Kia Niro. Moreover, the glossy black trim often reflected sunlight into my eyes, causing unnecessary distractions and discomfort.
Barrique Red Club Leather: A Worthwhile Luxury
On the positive side, the Barrique Red Club Leather option in my test car was a significant improvement over the disappointing piano black trim. The premium leather, found on nearly every surface not covered in piano black or matching Barrique Red plastic, exuded luxury. The intricate criss-cross stitching on the dash was a beautiful detail that added to the overall appeal. While this option comes at a cost, it certainly looks and feels the part.
A Comfortable Back Seat
While the Panamera may not be the most spacious sedan, its back seats are incredibly comfortable. This was especially evident in my test car, equipped with Individual Comfort Power Rear Seats. The rear seats offered a level of comfort comparable to the front seats, providing ample support and adjustable features. Long journeys with four passengers would undoubtedly be a pleasure in the Panamera.
In conclusion, the 2024 Porsche Panamera offers a unique and exhilarating driving experience. While it may not receive as much attention as Porsche’s SUVs or sports cars, it certainly holds its own in the luxury sedan segment. With impressive performance, superb steering, and luxurious features, the Panamera sets itself apart from its competitors. However, there are a few areas where Porsche missed the mark, such as the touchscreen controls and cheap-looking trim. Overall, the Panamera remains a standout choice for those seeking a luxury sedan that embodies the spirit of Porsche.
