2020 Porsche Panamera Performance

The Panamera is available in varying states of tune, but the one you really want for ultimate performance is the top GTS model. Equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and all-wheel-drive, this model comes standard with the Sport Chrono package and its launch control function, allowing it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Porsche always underquotes their figures, however, so real-world figures of around three and a half seconds are likely attainable. Keep your right foot flat and this behemoth becomes something of a juggernaut that keeps charging until 181 mph, thanks to figures of 453 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. In addition, its suspension is stiffened for better grip and control in the corners. Moving down the list, the 4S comes with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 with 440 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. In its fastest configuration with Sport Chrono package, 0-60 is dispensed with in four seconds flat with the speed limiter only arriving at 179 mph. Models without an S in their name are fitted with a turbocharged V6 too, but only one turbine is bolted to a 3.0-liter motor. This produces 330 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, with the base model capable of 164 mph and sprint times as low as 5.2 seconds.

The base model is known simply as the Panamera and features the above mentioned 3.0-liter V6 turbo with 330 horses and the same figure of torque. This model sends thrust to the rear wheels and performs remarkably well for such a heavy car, with respectable acceleration and overtaking ability once the tires start rolling. If you opt for the Panamera 4 Executive, the weight problem is compounded further as this model shares an all-wheel-drive system with the Panamera 4, but you can still reach a top speed of 162 mph if you find a safe place to express your inner maniac. Naturally, the advantage is that you have more traction off the line, making acceleration more impressive. The 4S swaps out the 3.0-liter for a 2.9-liter V6 with an additional turbo. This engine offers up 440 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, and is properly rapid. Opting for the available Sport Chrono package and its launch control feature all but guarantees a win from the line, and the additional Sport+ drive mode makes throttle response and shifts even more exhilarating. The top GTS trim takes all the advancement that a Panamera without a Turbo badge is capable of and puts it in one package. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 mill churns out an extravagant 453 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. If you think there's a chance your private jet will leave without you, the GTS will ensure you aren't late.

Despite different engines, the Panamera in all its variations comes with an eight-speed PDK, or dual-clutch, automatic transmission. Why? Because it's that good. In the comfort setting, the changes are almost imperceptible, while more aggressive modes will change gears a fraction before you even realize an up-change, or downshift, is necessary. If you decide to take control with the steering-mounted paddles, these respond with immediate reactions - exactly what you want from a manually-shiftable automatic transmission of any kind.

The Porsche Panamera in base trim has official EPA figures of 19/27/22 mpg city/highway/combined. Coupled with a 23.7-gallon gas tank, mixed range is estimated at around 521 miles. Paired with all-wheel-drive, the highway figure drops slightly to 26. 4S models with the more powerful V6 return figures of 18/26/21 mpg on the same cycles, while the top trim's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is predictably even worse at 16/23/19 mpg.