Found at CarMax is the most outlandishly optioned car I’ve ever seen. It is nautically themed—fit for the yacht club—with blue leather on the dash and steering wheel, wood accent trim, white leather seats and white carpet. Is this automotive equivalent of a sports coat and khakis? Whatever it is, I admire the original owner’s desire to make the car his own, resale value be damned.
(Edit: Porsche’s 2010 press photos used a Panamera of similar spec!)
Slip into the back seat, and I have limo levels of legroom. In addition, the passenger in the back has control over the locks, sunscreen, and seat heaters. The headroom is good in the back seats, too, because Porsche prioritized interior volume over exterior styling.
The Panamera is a hatchback, but sadly the trunk is not as large as I’d hoped.
Like the Macan S I just drove, the 2010 Panamera 4S is gloriously luxurious. Unlike the Macan, this Panamera has pretty much every option fitted. I care most about the adjustable air suspension, sports exhaust, and sports chrono options, but there is much, much more. Nary a blank button can be found on the shifter console, and that is saying a lot ($$$) in a Porsche!
Even though the Panamera 4S’s V8 is the same as the Cayenne GTS’s, when I push the loud exhaust button on the Panamera, I am not inundated with V8 burble. The Cayenne was much louder. From the outside, though, the Panamera sounds the business!
Credit: Porsche
Taking the Panamera around a long city block, I’m impressed most with the steering. Oh, the steering! 2010 was a long time ago, and this car must be fitted with classic Porsche hydraulic steering. All the feel and feedback are there in the wheel. For me, it’s love.
The steering’s costar is the V8 engine. It makes good power and all the right sounds. The Panamera doesn’t hustle any harder than the Focus RS or E90 M3, but it’s spritely. There is enough grunt for fun and enough exhaust blat for giggles.
Even though the Panamera is an incredibly long car, from the driver’s seat, it is easy to ignore the sheet metal behind my shoulders. I feel like I am piloting a shorter vehicle rather than a limo-length executive saloon.
Of all the Panameras, I think an older S or GTS with the naturally-aspirated V8 and hydraulic steering is the way to go. I’ll take a well-kept example with the factory sports exhaust. Yes, please!
Mike's Steering Column 