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2020 Porsche Panamera

Overview

Part sports car, part full-size luxury sedan, part hatchback, the 2020 Porsche Panamera is a dynamic and refined package that delivers the sporting character and performance that has made the brand famous.

As fun to drive as it is practical, the Panamera is perfect for those who dream of driving a 911 but need something that's more versatile and perhaps family friendly.

Once thought to be blasphemy for the German sports-car company to build a sedan, the Panamera is now in its second generation and has been accepted by the brand's loyalists.

Like its popular SUVs, the Panamera has broadened Porsche's appeal and allowed a greater number to enjoy its exceptional engineering and extraordinary driving dynamics.

The company also offers the Panamera Sport Turismo, which is more wagon than hatchback. Although the two body styles are mechanically identical under their sheetmetal, we cover the Sport Turismo models separately.

2020 Porsche Panamera

What's New for 2020?

For 2020, Porsche celebrates 10 years of Panamera production with a 10th-anniversary model. The 2020 Panamera 10 Year Edition consists of 21-inch Sport Design wheels finished in white gold, Porsche 10 logos on the front doors, other logos throughout the interior, and white-gold seat stitching.

Versions of the 10 Year Edition include a standard Panamera, an all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 model, and the Panamera E-Hybrid. All come standard with a set of features that are otherwise optional, including 14-way power-adjustable front seats, a Bose audio system, soft-close doors, and a set of driver-assist features.

Otherwise, Porsche has made the smallest of changes to the Panamera lineup, offering two new metallic paint colors: Gentian Blue and Papaya.

2020 Porsche Panamera

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Panamera: $88,550
Panamera 4: $93,150
Panamera 4S: $106,350
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid: $105,150
Panamera GTS: $130,650

Porsche offers the 2020 Panamera in such a wide range of models and prices, your budget and needs should dictate which is best for you. There isn't a dud in the pack, including the base model, which packs 330 horsepower and costs much less than $100,000.

We're also huge fans of the larger Executive models, which feature a longer wheelbase and offer considerably more rear-seat legroom. Still, it's the Panamera 4S that strikes the best balance between performance and value, with its 440-hp twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 and standard all-wheel drive.

Porsche also offers an endless selection of options, but don't skip the adaptive air suspension, which improves the sedan's ride and handling, or the Sport Chrono package.

It adds a Sport Plus setting with launch control and dials up the response and performance of the Panamera's engine, transmission, and chassis significantly.

2020 Porsche Panamera

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

With agile handling and a smooth ride for a sports sedan, especially when equipped with the optional adjustable air suspension, the 2020 Panamera is a thrill ride that offers the comfort and luxury expected in such an expensive four-door hatchback.

Every 2020 Panamera is powered by a turbocharged engine, but don't be confused by the more powerful Turbo models, The base Panamera is rear-wheel drive and powered by a 330-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6.

The more expensive Porsche Panamera 4 comes with all-wheel drive, and Porsche says it can hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Under the hood of the considerably quicker Porsche Panamera 4S is a 440-hp twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6. It does zero-to-60 time of 3.6 seconds.

Porsche Panamera 2020 for sale. Exterior color : Black.

2020 Porsche Panamera

Upgrading to the GTS model adds a 453-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine. It's the best performing of the non-Turbo Panamera models; however, its suspension sacrifices some ride quality to further improve the sedan's handling.

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is a 462-hp plug-in hybrid and offers an electric-only driving range of 14 miles, according to the EPA. Buyers looking for an all-electric Porsche should check out the new Taycan.

All Panamera models get an excellent eight-speed automatic, and the non-hybrid models feature a powerful braking system that offers excellent feel and modulation that make smooth stops easy.

The regenerative braking system in the hybrid model, while powerful, doesn't operate quite as smoothly.

2020 Porsche Panamera

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel efficiency is not the Panamera's forte, but its fuel economy is about average for this class. The base and least powerful Panamera is rated 19/27 mpg city/highway by the EPA.

With all-wheel drive, that highway number dips to 26 mpg. The more powerful Panamera 4S is rated 18/26 mpg and is significantly more fuel efficient than the Panamera GTS.

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is potentially the most fuel-efficient model, as it offers a limited all-electric driving range of 14 miles before needing to fire up its gasoline engine. Its EPA numbers are 51 MPGe and 23 mpg combined.

2020 Porsche Panamera

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Porsche's only sedan boasts a driver-focused cabin that looks and feels every bit of its steep price tag. Its list of standard features is long and appropriate for the class, but as with any Porsche, the options list is also quite extensive and pricey.

Upgrades include everything from massaging seats to leather-covered climate-control vents to a fire extinguisher. More common options include ventilated seats, soft-close doors, four-zone automatic climate control, and a power-operated rear sunshade. We especially like its optional sport seats with 18-way adjustability.

You sit low in the Panamera, which gives the sedan a sports-car feel, and it's spacious, even for taller drivers. Rear-seat space is also generous, especially in the longer Executive models, which offers limo-like legroom.

The center console looks high tech and expensive as it's littered with touch-sensitive controls for functions such as the climate control. Unfortunately, we've found this all-touch system to be fussy and difficult to use while driving, but you get used to it quickly.

With 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space, the Panamera also offers a large trunk for this class.

2020 Porsche Panamera

Infotainment and Connectivity

Sitting in the center of the Panamera's dash is a large and attractive 12.3-inch touchscreen; unfortunately, the sedan's infotainment system isn't as easy to use as it should be.

Although its infotainment system has standard desirable features such as Apple CarPlay integration, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, its menus are over-complicated, and many of its functions could be more intuitive. As it is, they can be distracting while driving.

Strangely, Android Auto capability and wireless phone charging aren't unavailable.

2020 Porsche Panamera

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 Panamera has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

However, it is available with numerous driver-assistance features, and Porsches have a very good reputation for safety and crash performance. Porsche even offers a night-vision system.

However, despite the Panamera's considerable price, many of these tech-based driver aids and active safety systems are additional-cost options. Key safety features include:

Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

2020 Porsche Panamera

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

At four years or 50,000 miles, both Porsche's limited warranty and its power-train warranty are competitive in this class, and its 24-hour roadside-assistance program spans the same amount of time.

Porsche also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for a short period, but BMW's complimentary scheduled maintenance program is considerably longer.