Performance and Driving Impressions
Performance and Driving Impressions Rating:
The Panamera Sport Turismo’s performance figures might scream “Porsche,” but the German wagon’s uninvolving driving experience and comfort-oriented ride are more akin to what we would expect from a vehicle with an Audi badge.
Acceleration
Even the entry-level Panamera 4 Sport Turismo is plenty quick, and the 330-hp trim outaccelerates most of its fleet-footed six-cylinder-wagon competition. Those in need of more power can spend additional coin to get behind the wheel of the 440-hp 4S or the 462-hp E-Hybrid-the latter is able to do the zero-to-60-mph dash in just 3.9 seconds.
Test Results: Acceleration
Ride, Handling, and Steering
A standard air suspension and sticky performance tires allow the Panamera Sport Turismo to float over ragged roads and corner as if it’s on rails. Too bad Panameras feature some of the least communicative steering we’ve experienced in a car wearing the Porsche badge. Those in search of additional dynamism can opt for items such as a speed-sensitive power-steering system, rear-axle steering, active anti-roll bars, and the Sport Chrono package.
Standard on hybrid models, the Sport Chrono package adds a dashboard-mounted stopwatch and a steering-wheel-mounted selector switch that lets the driver quickly switch between multiple drive modes. While the Sport Chrono package is a fun-albeit gimmicky-option, we’d pass on the steering amenities, which add to the bottom line and further muddle the Panamera Sport Turismo’s somewhat distant steering feel.
Test Results: Maximum Cornering Capability
Braking
The standard Sport Turismo’s braking setup provides excellent feel and modulation that make smooth stops easy. We can’t say the same about the brake pedal of the hybrid model, which suffers from jarring and uneven response as the braking system transitions from regenerative to mechanical braking. Typical of Porsche, Sport Turismo models also offer race-car braking performance in the form of massive carbon-ceramic disc brakes clamped down on by chunky 10-piston front calipers. The high-performance stoppers are an $8970 option; as the standard steel-rotor brakes are already plenty powerful, these carbon-ceramic units are far from essential.
Test Results: Maximum Braking Capability
Test Results: Curb Weight and Weight Distribution
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