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The Panamera’s official title has been given as the 2010 Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo. The top-of-the-line Panamera Gran Turismo model carries a twin-turbocharged Porsche V8 outputting 500 horsepower, and AWD. Porsche Panamera, a unique four-seater, was conceived and designed as a four-door grand touring sports car, combining numerous talents in typical Porsche style: sporting driving dynamics, a spacious interior, and the supreme comfort of a Gran Turismo. Joining the 911, Boxster and Cayman sports cars as well as the Cayenne SUV, the Panamera is Porsche’s fourth model series.

The Panamera S and 4S have 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, with a choice of 19-inch and 20-inch alternatives available. The Panamera Turbo rides on 19-inch alloy wheels. As is typical of a Porsche, the braking system of the Panamera is designed to deliver a high level of stopping power. However, similar to all other Porsche models, the race-proven and highly efficient Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) option is also offered for the Panamera.

The body appears to be a four-door sedan but with a coupe-like profile and a power liftgate rather than a typical trunk for access to the spacious luggage area. Standard safety features include ten airbags, bi-xenon adaptive headlights with LED daytime running lights, rain sensing wipers, full LED rear lighting, four belt pretensioners and electronic traction and stability control. A small sample of optional tech features include Bluetooth, rearview camera, electronic logbook, Burmester high-end audio system, twin-screen rear entertainment system, voice activation, servotronic steering, active anti-roll bars and ceramic composite brakes.

From some angles, the 2010 Panamera Turbo, S and 4S models carry a revolutionary design that is true-to-form for Porsche but smashes some industry notions of what a sedan needs to look like. A luxurious journey is guaranteed in any of the four seats in the Panamera but, for passengers in the rear, the option of electrically adjustable backrests, cushion length and lumbar support raises the standard further still. It is also possible to specify rear seat ventilation, and a comprehensive rear interior illumination package with high power reading lights.

For customers seeking the ultimate in-car audio experience, the Panamera is the first Porsche to offer the option of a High-End Surround Sound System from Burmester®, the renowned Berlin audio specialist. A total of 16 loudspeakers masterminded by 16 amplifier channels with an overall output of more than 1,000 watts provide a unique sound, complemented by an active subwoofer together with a 300 W Class D amplifier.

With a continuous center console that extends from the dashboard to the rear seating area, the Porsche Panamera offers a new spatial concept for the driver and passengers featuring optimal ergonomic seating with individual cockpit-like spaces for all. Its deep seating position and a sport steering wheel help give the driver and passengers direct contact with the road. At the same time it provides a generous, roomy environment with exceptional leg and head room, unique qualities in a sporting machine yet essential for grand touring. This individual seating allows for optimum passive safety.

Space is impressive, too. A standard full-length center console divides the car into four distinct and comfortable seating positions. The feel from the driver’s seat is much like that of the 911, only higher off the ground. The rear seat has enough head room for an NBA point guard and plenty of leg room, too. All of the seats are supportive without being too firm or too deeply bolstered. With this much room, the Panamera would work just as well as a chauffer-driven vehicle as it would a driver-oriented sports sedan.

The chassis and suspension of the Porsche Panamera is not a compromise between sporting performance and superior comfort, but rather a combination of the two. In its basic setting it offers a very high standard of driving comfort. But then, at the touch of a button on the active PASM damper system, it turns into a thoroughbred sports suspension.

As another highlight of the Porsche Panamera is the adaptive air suspension with its capability for extra volume whenever required – an absolute innovation in automotive technology – featured as standard on the Turbo and an option on the other models, offers an even greater variation of sporting and comfort features.

The most luxurious Porsche ever, the Panamera is quite well appointed and equipped. Leather upholstery is standard, as are a choice of carbon, aluminum or five varieties of wood trim. The fit and finish and quality of the materials rival that of any competitor.

Bottom line, the 2010 Porsche Panamera is a great way to expand the Porsche lineup. It performs well on the street and the track, and offers enough passenger and cargo room to make it a no-compromise luxury sedan. Put simply, the Panamera enters the market as one of the world’s best luxury sports sedans. Be careful with options, though. As with any Porsche, they can get awfully pricey when you start checking off the boxes.

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