Hybrids, Wagons

Porsche Panamera: The Biggest Automotive Glow-Up in History

Stated From the Bottom…

The fact that the original Panamera was nicknamed “The Elephant Man Car” says it all. The car deemed ugly from birth is now one of the most beautiful cars you can put on the road today.

2010 Panamera compared to the 2021 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo. | Source: Porsche & Motor Trend

Sleek was not exactly the word

The original Porsche Panamera was received with mixed emotions. Porsche had already been making the Macan for almost a decade, but the top execs at Porsche were convinced that the company needed to offer a sleek, low-slung, 4-door sedan. The original Panamera was unveiled in 2009, and launched in 2010 with the hopes of convincing buyers who wanted the Porsche brand, but with more space and seating than a 911. However, sleek was not exactly the word that most consumers associated with the original Panamera.

Side Comparisons of the 2010 model vs. the 2021 model (Sport Touring model) | Source: Porsche & Motor Trend

The looks caused nausea and fear.

The car is famously remembered for a Top Gear episode where the original trio were impressed by the performance, but the looks caused nausea and fear. But something quite amazing has happened as the years have gone by, and now the car is arguably the most impressive vehicle on the road today. As the years rolled by, Porsche made several changes and additional options that caused this car to evolve into a masterpiece.

The engine bay from the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Model. A 4.0 L V8 Sits right in the middle and still cranks out insane MPG figures. | Source: Porsche

Up to 48-54 mpg

In 2013, Porsche introduced a plug-in hybrid model of the Panamera which significantly boosted the mpg ratings and capabilities of the vehicle. This hybrid system, developed and perfected in Porsche’s 918 hypercar now allows the current top model to reach up to 48-54 mpg from combined city and highway driving. That’s absolutely ludicrous, considering the car still has a great big V8 engine in the front, and cranks out 690 horsepower from the top-level trim!

A redesigned rear end for the Sport Turismo model really changed the whole car. | Source: Porsche & Motor Trend

Time for a facelift

In 2017, the Sport Turismo Trim was added, giving the car’s roofline a peaked angle and a liftback tailgate. This “shooting brake” style rear end gave the Panamera a more stout and defined appearance. Along with this, more space was added to the car, making it a practical sporty wagon with more space at the back. The higher back also gave the Panamera slightly more headroom for rear passengers. Along with this stylistic upgrade, the rear taillights were redesigned, giving the car a continuous strip light which runs the whole back width of the car.

The rear cargo space alone in the Sport Turismo variant has 418 liters (14 cubic feet) of cargo space. Fold the back down, and that nearly doubles. The back of this vehicle is truly cavernous and impressive. | Source: Porsche

It really is remarkable, and is in no way slow.

It’s a small wonder that more people don’t opt for one of these instead of a 911 or Macan. Nearly 700 Horsepower, 50 MPG, loads of creature comforts, striking looks, and a tons of storage all contribute to what is now a masterpiece. The car is a fantastic driver and finally looks great from all angles. It can be fitted with a variety of luxurious comforts, such as 18-way memory seats with ventilation and massage functions. It really is remarkable, and is in no way slow, with a 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds.

What are your thoughts? Is there another car that has risen from lower depths than the Porsche Panamera? Let me know what you think!

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