After spending hours driving the Porsche Panamera S e-Hybrid around the twists and bends outside San Diego, we pined for a more authentic, less tech-infused driving experience.
On the city streets of San Diego, we found it in the Panamera S. And it was heavenly.
What is it?
The Panamera S is the second Panamera on the model totem pole, more powerful than the base model and without optional four-wheel drive. It shares many critical pieces with the rest of the lineup, but features a completely different powertrain.
How does it drive?
Brilliantly. For all of the criticism heaped upon the hybrid Panamera's steering rack, this Panamera S utilizes a hydraulic rack, and it's a revelation. On the streets of San Diego, response was almost magnetic, with full driver control as the Panamera changed directions. It's one of our favorite systems yet.
Under the hood of the Panamera S is a sweet, biturbo V-6 that sends 420 horsepower to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Shifts snap off quickly, with a hum from the exhaust pipe, and it was hard to contain our speed within San Diego's city limits.
What's it like inside?
If you like the rich, button-laden interior of the standard Panamera, you'll be keen to know that is unchanged in the Panamera S. Our tester had a lovely, black interior with an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, which makes every touch feel as if lined by expensive gloves.
What's its specialty?
Embodying the spirit of the Porsche 911 while transporting its admirers in the backseat.
Most innovative feature?
Select from the Porsche Exclusive menu of options, and a rear-seat refrigerator is available for $2570. For that price, you could load two Frigidaires full of profiteroles.
How's the competition?
Hot. Every day, it seems that another manufacturer is adding a four-door sports car to its repertoire. The Panamera S faces competition from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar, and tangential competition from potential 911 buyers.
Overall:
Aspire to be this responsive.
Highs:
Steering precision, braking strength, throttle response, interior comfort, joie de vivre.
Lows:
Even with the update, the styling stands to receive a bespoke edge.
The ideal setup:
As simply configured as possible. Our test Panamera S looked dapper in sapphire blue ($790), and the aforementioned Alcantara steering wheel is a $200 option. If the exhaust note isn't enough to satisfy your inner audiophile, the Burmester audio system ($5890) is a must-add.
By the numbers: 2015 Porsche Panamera S
MSRP: $94,195 (includes $995 destination charge)
Power / drive wheels: 3.0-liter, 420-hp biturbo V-6 engine / rear-wheel drive
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
EPA fuel economy: 17/21 city/highway mpg
In showrooms: Now
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