2010 Porsche Panamera Review

An entirely new model line from one of the world's most high-stakes auto manufacturers, the 2010 Porsche Panamera is available in 5 trims: Panamera, the rear wheel-drive Panamera S, Panamera 4, AWD Panamera 4S and the AWD Panamera Turbo. First things first: plan to spend anywhere from $89,800 up to $132,600 for one. Also, remember to factor in the price of effective sports car insurance to protect your investment. Other cars that like to think they can stand up include the Maserati Quattroporte, Audi A8, BMW M5, Mercedes Benz S-Class and a few other heavy hitters.

The Panamera by Porsche is that 5th model line offered by the masterful German auto manufacturer. The Porsche name is one that has always been synonymous with excitement, luxury and high performance. It's what's expected of any Porsche; and the new Panamera stands and delivers. The Panamera is a fullsized premium class 4-door sedan, the first that Porsche has ever released. It brings a wonderful blending of muscle car sports performance, futuristic technologies and luxurious comfort, all in one super-hot, road-ripping badboy.

The nontraditional styling of the 2010 Panamera Porsche makes it stand out, anywhere, with undeniable distinction. It's a grand touring vehicle, and unlike most others, follows a 2-box hatchback construction platform. That means that it has loads of cargo space and plenty of legroom in the spacious rear seating compartment. It still just seems strange that a Porsche could offer so much spaciousness; especially in a rear seating area! But it does. And it does it with world-class style and quality.

In motion, the Porsche Panamera 2010 truly gets down. The base Panamera and Panamera 4 trims come to you with a strong and ready 3.6L 300-horsepower 295 pound-foot V6 with 12.5:1 compression ratio. It has a top track speed of 160 miles per hour and can take you from 0 to 60 in just under 6 seconds. S and 4S trims feature a 4.8L 400-horse 369 pound-foot V8 with a top track speed of 175 miles per hour. 0 to 60 times are about 5 seconds. And of course, the 2010 AWD Panamera Turbo will definitely pin you to your seat with a beefy 4.8L turbocharged gasoline engine that will crank out 500 horsepower and a whopping 516 pound-foot of torque. The only transmission used to ground the power of all versions of the Panamera is the double-clutch 7-speed electronically automated Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK). That's right, Doppelkupplung.

Don't overlook the obvious: the 2010 Porsche Panamera is a new Porsche. Not only that, it's a new Porsche that is being released as part of an all new lineup of excellence. Take it seriously. Expect luxury. Expect safety. Expect ultra-high performance. Expect sheer driving excitement! Expect every amenity imaginable. And then, expect to have your expectations exceeded.