What do S class owners think of the Panamera?
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Mexico/Houston Tx
Porsche, Mercedes & MINI
IMO Div.
Back in the late 70's, Porsche introduced the 928, a front engine aluminum V8 with a tiny back seat, and most importantly no resemblance to the 911. The car was quick, fun and a real stand out. Porsche is a great brand franchise but that doesn't mean everything they make has to look like the 911. The world could certainly welcome a 4 door Porsche, but not this difficult-to-look-at Panamera.
I thought the concept of porsche creating a 4 seater was a fantastic idea, UNTIL I saw the photos. Once I finally got an opportunity to see the car in person, I officially thought the car is just horrible. BUT I have seen it with tons of mods, wheels, more aggressive front and rear bumpers and a rear wing and I loved it. BUT again with all that stuff, it would cost crazy dollars. Therefore I would not purchase one and there are so many other cars at that price.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: East Bay Area, CA
2013 SL 550 (Previously 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo-S, 2015 Tesla P85D, 2007 S600, 2005 E55 AMG)
I sat in one at the San Francisco Auto Show... Actually I like it better in the flesh. It sure is not pretty, but it does have a certain brutality to its appearance that looks... well mean and brutal.
Mixed feelings about the interior. The materials look excellent and it is highly (over) stylized but the execution seems quite weak in places... I was disappointed to see how pliable and cheap the air vents were as one example... and that vast button ridden central console is almost like having a brick wall between you and your front passenger.
Late I went to the Porsche web site to see what a Turbo would cost... then realized what a bad deal it is compared to other cars in this price category... The options list is vast (they charge you for a back up camera for $%$#^# sake) and I managed to run it up to well over $160K to get near what my S600 has in features. (Different types of cars that they are) Made me realize what good value the S600 is (not words one usually uses in the same sentence) with its "all options included".
Chris
Mixed feelings about the interior. The materials look excellent and it is highly (over) stylized but the execution seems quite weak in places... I was disappointed to see how pliable and cheap the air vents were as one example... and that vast button ridden central console is almost like having a brick wall between you and your front passenger.
Late I went to the Porsche web site to see what a Turbo would cost... then realized what a bad deal it is compared to other cars in this price category... The options list is vast (they charge you for a back up camera for $%$#^# sake) and I managed to run it up to well over $160K to get near what my S600 has in features. (Different types of cars that they are) Made me realize what good value the S600 is (not words one usually uses in the same sentence) with its "all options included".
Chris
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From: Blasting off!
CLS63 Designo Edition, Hyundai Genesis 3.8 , Veloster Turbo, CLS500(Sold), E320 (SMOKED) R500 (Sold)
I sat in one at the San Francisco Auto Show... Actually I like it better in the flesh. It sure is not pretty, but it does have a certain brutality to its appearance that looks... well mean and brutal.
Mixed feelings about the interior. The materials look excellent and it is highly (over) stylized but the execution seems quite weak in places... I was disappointed to see how pliable and cheap the air vents were as one example... and that vast button ridden central console is almost like having a brick wall between you and your front passenger.
Late I went to the Porsche web site to see what a Turbo would cost... then realized what a bad deal it is compared to other cars in this price category... The options list is vast (they charge you for a back up camera for $%$#^# sake) and I managed to run it up to well over $160K to get near what my S600 has in features. (Different types of cars that they are) Made me realize what good value the S600 is (not words one usually uses in the same sentence) with its "all options included".
Chris
Mixed feelings about the interior. The materials look excellent and it is highly (over) stylized but the execution seems quite weak in places... I was disappointed to see how pliable and cheap the air vents were as one example... and that vast button ridden central console is almost like having a brick wall between you and your front passenger.
Late I went to the Porsche web site to see what a Turbo would cost... then realized what a bad deal it is compared to other cars in this price category... The options list is vast (they charge you for a back up camera for $%$#^# sake) and I managed to run it up to well over $160K to get near what my S600 has in features. (Different types of cars that they are) Made me realize what good value the S600 is (not words one usually uses in the same sentence) with its "all options included".
Chris
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Poconos, Pennsylvania
Protecting the Earth from the Scum of the Universe
None of the high end pictures, shot from the top, side, in motion, etc, will change the image.
Even Ansel Adams (resurrected) would be at lost position here and reject the hideous Aztec assignment...
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: San Jose
CL65 AMG , white S550 Sport w/ white Giovanna 22s, wild custom chopper
I'm waiting for Ashton Kutcher to post a reply to this thread, "You all have been PUNKED!!! There aren't any four-door Porsche Panameras, you silly kids - this is just a joke!!!"
Last edited by CL55_Serge; Dec 11, 2009 at 02:14 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 365
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From: San Jose
CL65 AMG , white S550 Sport w/ white Giovanna 22s, wild custom chopper
now that a look at it a bit more, looks like a Porsche 911 got a roofy in her drink, was date-raped by Maserati Quattroporte and decided to keep the baby :-)
color is very important in how the panamera looks; right color and it's almost sleek looking. interior is the nicest of any of the other high end sedans. the interior has that "enclosed" feel that you get in the cls, not at all airey and roomy feeling as in the s. performance, absent the chrono sport, is not up to a chipped 600 nor as seamless as a 63, though the panamera is very fast. wonderful sound to doors though the ride is not as supple as the mb. overall a really nice, fast car but one has to wonder how committed porsche is to it, as management has stated that it will only last one build cycle. overall, would choose a chipped 600.
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SRT8 Challenge,MB S550, MB SL65 45th ann, MB GL450, Range Rover, Maserati GranTurismo Sport
My father smashed his S550 AMG package into a wall (wasn't his fault) and crushed the front over 20,000 in damage and he is in the market for a new car. He said he rather drive his smashed S class then drive the panamera.
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From: Blasting off!
CLS63 Designo Edition, Hyundai Genesis 3.8 , Veloster Turbo, CLS500(Sold), E320 (SMOKED) R500 (Sold)

Have not seen one in person but I am not a big fan of the Pan. It looks like a 911 with birth defect, no offense. However, the Turbo is quite a performer and technologically impressive...







