The 2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo is offered in base and Executive trims. Both trims share the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 550 hp and 567 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The exterior of the Panamera Turbo features LED headlights, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, and an active rear spoiler with four-way adjustability, a power liftgate, and on Executive models, soft-close doors. Inside, the base model gets two-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, front and rear ParkAssist, cruise control, and keyless entry and start. The Executive model will add rear-axle steering for even greater dynamic capability, while the inside gets heated eight-way power seats with a memory package and comfort headrests. Optional extras include driver assistance features such as lane-change assist and night vision assist, as well as a sport exhaust system with silver tailpipes.
The 2020 Porsche Panamera's price is a big number, but it should be mentioned that you're paying for a car with class-leading performance, handling, and practicality. The base price will also see a big jump as most owners will select at least one or two added options, and those who want a fully-loaded car will have to wipe the tears off of their bank manager's pale little cheeks. The base Panamera Turbo will set you back $153,000, which does not include registration, tax, and a destination fee of $1,350. The larger and better-specced Executive goes for over $10,000 more at an MSRP of $163,400. These prices are well over $50,000 more than the ever-capable BMW M5 but are closely matched by the Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan.
Yes, you get a lot of luxury, but in typical Porsche fashion, most of the exciting features are kept on the options list. And boy, what an options list it is. Let's start with the exterior, where you can select between 17 set color options, or why not mix your own? There are a total of 13 wheel designs to choose from, and a limitless amount of exterior detail options such as painted air intake grilles and carbon-fiber mirrors. Officially there are three packages on offer, including the $2,790 Premium Package Plus which adds lane change assist, seat ventilation in the front, LED-matrix headlights, and soft-close doors. The $5,580 Sport Package includes rear-axle steering, the Sport Chrono package, which by itself adds features such as Sport Plus drive mode and an analog-digital stopwatch, and a sport exhaust system. The Assistance Package, which costs $5,370 adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and night vision assist.
The choice here is simple: if you need the extra legroom and luxury touches offered in the Executive model, then that's what you should get, but for everyone else, the standard Turbo will do. Featuring the same twin-turbocharged V8 engine and adaptive suspension, the standard car only misses out on the rear axle steering system, which can be added as an optional extra. If we had the money, we would get the standard Panamera Turbo in Volcano Grey metallic with a set of 21-inch SportDesign wheels and a scattering of carbon fiber on the exterior. Inside, we would get the sport seats with 18-way adjustment. We would also add the Sport Package, which adds rear-axle steering, a sport exhaust system, and the Sport Chrono package, which adds a more hardcore driving mode and launch control. Finally, we'd invest in the Assistance Package, which adds lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and night vision assist.