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Porsche Panamera vs rivals

Porsche’s new Panamera is the firm’s first stab at a four-seat grand tourer. We pit it against an array of diverse and desirable rivals to see just where it fits in.

September 2009

Porsche has been swimming against the tide for years. The legendary 911 retains its physics-defying rear-mounted engine, and the line-up has never included a conventional saloon – until now.

The long-awaited Panamera is the car Porsche followers have been craving for decades. With eight cylinders, five doors, four seats and an optional twin-clutch PDK gearbox, it gives 911 owners who need more space an alternative to the firm’s chunky Cayenne SUV. It also brings the company up against a raft of diverse rivals. So what better way to get under the skin of the newcomer than to pitch it against three very different opponents?

The first car lining up against our entry-level Panamera S is the BMW M6. With its two-door coupé body, it puts style ahead of practicality. However, its new Competition Pack means it should set the standard in terms of dynamics. For buyers after more space, the Audi RS6 Avant takes some beating. As with the BMW, it boasts a powerful V10 and scorching pace. But unlike rivals here, it’s the only car that is available as a versatile estate.

The Mercedes CLS 63 AMG completes our quartet – and is closest in concept to the Panamera. The sleek saloon marries storming V8 pace with a luxurious cabin. Read on to see how the new Porsche fares...

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5 Comments

Putting the soon to be replaced M6 in this test was a joke especially when marked it down for not having 4 doors. Have you not heard of the M5. Add the Jaguar XFR into the mix and you would have shown the Porshe for what it is - pig ugly and overpriced. I'm sure that the Porsche is a great drive but if allwe wanted was performance without any concern for how a car looks we'd all be driving round in Impreza WRX's. It's like justifying an ugly girlfriend because she's good in bed. Hold on I may be turning my own arguement on myself.......:)

By Fipzee on 24 September, 2009, 7:44pm

The M6 was there as the dynamic benchmark against which we could judge the Panamera. You're right, the Jaguar XFR would have been an interesting addition to our line-up, but the all-new XJ is closer in concept and will also be available in supercharged V8 guise.
Ross Pinnock, Road test editor

By RossP19 on 24 September, 2009, 10:21pm

None of these cars is even a potential rival (in terms of target market), leave alone "dynamic benchmarks". The CTS-V should've been included, since the Panamera just beat its Nurburgring time - but both times were set by factory test drivers - not independent publications like yours. The RS6 Avant was a good pick for the power, but I guess if you couldn't include the M5 then you may as well wait until the Rapide, Estoque and Evora are released for a real apples-to-apples comparo

By vazirncars on 26 September, 2009, 4:35am

sad first the divider in the back does go down for full access, porsches are for individuals who like reliable fast cars, not the me too group. i have driven the turbo and now i see why other performance sedan owners are making negative comments and the smart ones are keeping silent all together, it is a monster in a custom suit the outside looks better in person. And its just starting to be tuned. My moneys down, Im done with fair weather cars four wheel drive is the next step some manufactures are to slow in the game, or to cheap to try!

By reveared on 9 October, 2009, 12:09am

These car are not rivals for Panamera!!!

By black_ghost87 on 11 October, 2009, 10:05am

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Full Car Reviews

1st Porsche Panamera S

The styling will split opinion, but new star delivers a great drive.

2nd Mercedes CLS 63 AMG

Sharp looks and refined engine make saloon an appealing choice.

3rd Audi RS6 Avant

Estate delivers strong blend of practicality and power.

4th BMW M6 Coupe

Competition Package gives flagship V10 coupé an even racier edge.
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

Has Porsche hit the jackpot with its first ever five-door? Undoubtedly. The Panamera is cheaper than its rivals and has a broader spread of talents. Great to drive, practical, luxurious and economical, our only gripes concern its firm low speed ride and outlandish styling.

Ranking the rest of the cars isn’t so easy. The BMW M6 is the most rewarding to drive on track, but its clumsy gearbox, lack of engagement at lower speeds and coupé body mean it finishes fourth.

The tussle for second and third spots is between the head and the heart. The understated Audi RS6 is the logical choice. It’s startlingly fast, incredibly practical and beautifully trimmed, but you can barely use its astonishing performance, and it’s irritating to drive in stop-start traffic.

In the end, we’ve gone with our heart, so second place goes to the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG. Its relaxed character, fantastic engine and sleek looks make it a pleasure to drive, even a low speeds. It’s a bit harsh on the RS6, but the AMG simply has a greater capacity to put a smile on your face.

 
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