Used Porsche Panamera 2016-2023 review

Ah, the Porsche Panamera. When Porsche launched the original Panamera in 2010, it promised all the speed and prowess of the brand's sports cars, but in a five-door luxury car package.

Was it a success? For the most part, yes. It attracted some criticism for its looks, but sold in pleasing numbers – enough to warrant this second-generation model. It arrived in 2016 and ran until 2023, gaining a sharper, more purposeful look that overall seems to have won over critics.

You can choose an Executive version, which adds 15cm between the front and rear axles for increased interior space, and a shooting-brake estate car version called the Sport Turismo, which was introduced in 2017.

Engines & Performance: Under the bonnet, the model was treated to a new range of engines, ranging from an entry-level 330bhp 3.0-litre petrol, through to a 434bhp 2.9-litre petrol in the 3.0T variant, a 550bhp 4.0-litre V8 petrol in Turbo models and a 670bhp 4.0-litre V8 in Turbo S models.

There's also a 473bhp 4.0-litre V8 in the GTS version (introduced in 2020). A 2.9-litre V6 hybrid dubbed E-Hybrid is also available and, in early cars at least, a 3.0-litre diesel engine can be found in the 4S diesel.

Later models refined the engine range to the 325bhp 2.9-litre V6 in the Panamera and the Panamera 4, the 4S, with 444bhp, the 473bhp V8-engined GTS and the V8 Turbo S's 621bhp. You can also have PHEV tech on most Panamera engines. That adds an electric motor to produce more combined power. The entry-level 4 E-Hybrid produces a hefty 455bhp, which is enough for a 0-62mph sprint to 4.4sec. Its official electric-only range is 33 miles.

Ride & handling: On the road, the Panamera behaves very well, as you'd expect. With almost all engines, the performance is prodigious. The petrols are all free-revving and full of poke, while the diesel model has a huge chunk of mid-range power that proves really useful on the road.

The Turbo models are capable of keeping up with most supercars, with an outstanding 0-62mph time of 3.5sec. All have top speeds way in excess of those you’d be allowed to use on the road, or even want to use on a track, and power is transmitted to either the rear wheels or all four via a brilliant automatic gearbox.

As you approach a corner, this large beast is almost as impressive. The steering is heavy but direct and responsive, and the grip seems endless. It’s wonderfully rewarding to drive, with excellent body control and balance. There’s even an optional four-wheel steering system to improve agility.

You might think the payback for that is a very firm ride, but you’d be wrong. It’s firm, admittedly, but always well controlled, and never uncomfortable. On the non-standard air suspension it’s at its best, but don’t worry if the car you find has the standard set-up – that’s almost as good.

Interior & Practicality: Inside is a high-quality interior with an excellent driving position, and an electrically operated steering wheel and seat. Visibility to the front is good, but it can be a little restricted to the rear by the car’s sloping rear pillars.

Porsche has moved many of the controls to a touch-sensitive panel, with other functions controlled via a 12.3in touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard. At first glance it looks good, but it can be tricky to use when you're driving.

The infotainment system is more impressive, with large, easy to hit icons that you can hit accurately even on the move. The screen has a high resolution and is free from lag. It’s one of the best touchscreens out there, if not quite as user-friendly as BMW’s iDrive rotary dial-controlled system.

Space-wise, there’s plenty up front. It’s strictly two people maximum in the back, although they’ll both enjoy a good amount of head and leg room, even seated behind a taller driver.

There’s a practical hatch at the rear and a good-sized boot. Some luxury car rivals offer more space back there, but few can match its practicality.

Trims & equipment: Trims are dependent on engine choice, although all Panameras come with plenty of standard equipment, including climate control, a 12.3in touchscreen infotainment system, a DAB radio, sat-nav, leather seats, cruise control and LED headlights.

Interested in buying a used Porsche Panamera? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

The Panamera was an expensive car new. Put aside at least £35,000 for a 2016 car, even one with a higher mileage. For a 2017 car with average mileage and a full service history, you'll pay nearer £40,000, depending on engine and trim.

Turbo models are more – expect to pay at least £40,000 for one of those – and the Sport Turismo versions also attract a small premium above the standard car. For a 2020 or 2021 example, you'll be paying from £60,000, and £60,000 to £80,000 for a 2022 model, and more than £80,000 for a 2023 car.

If you want to find out whether the Porsche Panamera you’re considering buying is well-priced, use our free What Car? Valuations tool.

Find a used Porsche Panamera for sale here

MPG: On paper, the V6 hybrid is the most economical, with an official average fuel consumption of 113mpg, and CO2 emissions of an outstandingly low 56g/km. As with all hybrids, these figures are rarely attainable in real-world motoring, especially if you cover long distances in one go. If your commute is short and you can travel on electricity for most of your journey, you might find yourself recording figures close to that. The diesel-engined car returns 42.2mpg on paper, which is more than any of the petrols. The 4.0-litre V8 GTS, for example, averages 23.3mpg.

Later cars, tested under the more stringent WLTP fuel tests, achieved the following results. The 2.9 V6 averaged 27.7mpg, the E-Hybrid 141.2mpg, the 4S 128.4mpg, the GTS 23.3mpg, the Turbo S 22.1mpg and the Turbo S E-Hybrid 104.6mpg.

Road tax: Annual road tax was based on CO2 emissions before the changes of April 2017 came into force, and most Panameras (other than the hybrids) will be quite hefty. Those cars registered after April 2017 will pay the standard flat rate, currently £180 per year for petrol and diesel cars, and £170 per year for hybrid models. Cars will also be subject to a luxury car supplement, currently £390 per year for years two to five, as they cost over £40,000 new.

Insurance and servicing: Insurance groups are high, with only the lower powered petrol-engined cars being in a group other than 50, the top one. Servicing is best carried out by a Porsche specialist, and that can be pricey. Spare parts will be expensive, too.

Reliability

In our 2023 Reliability Survey, What Car? readers reported mixed reliability for the Porsche Panamera. Owners highlighted various issues, particularly with the complex electronics, such as malfunctioning infotainment systems, faulty sensors, and warning lights requiring dealer attention. Some also faced expensive repairs for the hybrid system.

Dealer service reviews were equally mixed. While some praised the knowledgeable staff and efficient service, others were frustrated by long repair times and high costs. Communication about repair timelines and costs was also a concern.

Discover more about used Porsche Panamera reliability and common problems on our dedicated reliability page.

We’d go for the 2.9 V6 4 E-Hybrid variant. These models are some of the most affordable on the used market, plus they deliver fantastic performance, impressive fuel economy and come with four-wheel drive. If you have the cash, by all means go for a GTS or Turbo example, because they are super-fast and awesome to drive. However, for most, the hybrid will prove excellent and the best all-round choice.

Our favourite Porsche Panamera: 2.9 V6 4 E-Hybrid

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a four-door saloon styled to look like a coupé. It comes with a choice of punchy but efficient petrol and diesel engines, and it has excellent road manners. It also has an upmarket ambiance that belies its quite reasonable used prices.

The BMW M5 is a highly tuned version of one of our favourite luxury cars. It’s blisteringly quick and has very high levels of grip and extremely good handing. It’s full of tech, yet remains an enjoyable car to drive.

Interested in buying a used Porsche Panamera? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

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