2010 Porsche Panamera S Tucker GA

2010 Porsche Panamera S By Brian Alexander, Road Test Editor

2010 Porsche Panamera S
DriverSide Overview
If for some reason in the last year or so you have managed not to crack open a car magazine, browse a single automotive site on the interwebs or Google the word “Porsche”, allow us to enlighten you. They’ve made a new sedan called the Panamera , and in the few short months since its unveil in Shanghai its aesthetics have managed to draw more criticism than George W. Bush’s entire second term. And while it’s true that the car’s hatchback-esque fifth door and high roofline conspire to create an unconventional profile, once inside the design makes a lot more sense, providing an open and luxurious yet sporting atmosphere. But when the world’s greatest sports car builder goes and does a sedan, do you really care how it looks? The best way to convert a nonbeliever – as has always been the case with Porsches – is to throw them in the driver’s seat and let the car’s abilities do the talking. That’s when the Panamera floors every other offering in the segment with the roundhouse kick they never saw coming. Officially billed as a Gran Turismo – or cosseting long-distance hauler if you don’t speak automotive geek-lish – under this cloak of luxury hides a car with the dynamic resolve one would expect from the Porsche brand. At the same time, four very posh individuals would feel at home just cruising along at 120 mph on the Autobahn… or, if jail time isn't your stick, somewhat slower than that here in North America. These multiple personalities are what make the Panamera so great.



2010 Porsche Panamera S



2010 Porsche Panamera S



2010 Porsche Panamera S
What's to Like
While the Panamera is perfectly happy trudging along as a docile executive sedan, it can switch its behavior in a second, delivering a feral V-8 induction note, pounding through gears in the blink of an eye and delivering plenty of feedback through the chassis. Yet the ride remains supple and the interior is sleek and luxurious, making quick work of long distance journeys.

What's Not to Like
Ever taken a gander at a Porsche options list? They have the depressing ability to make your hard earned disappear faster than a divorcee with an open line of credit. The Panamera’s other shortcoming is its PDK dual-clutch manual mode, not because there is an issue with the shifting itself – the response of the gearbox is fantastic – but rather the paddles used to activate each shift. Just as in the 911, the rocker switches need to be pushed for upshifts and pulled for downshifts, which isn’t overtly logical.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Massive grip and surefooted poise are at the core of the Panamera experience.

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