Porsche Panamera Review: The Most Underrated Porsche?

When people think Porsche, the 911 usually takes centre stage. It’s iconic, timeless, and instantly recognisable. But sitting a little more quietly in the line-up is the Porsche Panamera – a car that blends sports car performance with everyday practicality. And honestly? I think the Panamera is one of the most slept-on cars Porsche makes.

Performance That Punches Above Its Weight

Make no mistake, the Panamera isn’t just a big luxury saloon with a Porsche badge – it’s a proper performance machine. The range starts with a 2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo producing 330hp, while the fire-breathing Turbo S offers 620hp from its 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo. That translates to a 0–62mph time of just 3.1 seconds – numbers you’d expect from a supercar, not a four-door family saloon.

But here’s where the Panamera really shines: the E-Hybrid models. By combining a petrol engine with an electric motor, Porsche has created the perfect middle ground for drivers who aren’t ready (or don’t want) to go fully electric. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid delivers 552hp with an electric-only range of around 30 miles – enough to cover most daily commutes emissions-free.

It’s this balance of performance and efficiency that makes the hybrid Panamera, in my opinion, the ultimate compromise.

Luxury and Practicality in Equal Measure

Step inside, and the Panamera proves that Porsche knows how to do luxury. Expect leather sports seats with up to 14-way adjustment, a sleek digital driver display, and the latest Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Rear passengers aren’t left out either – especially in the Executive long-wheelbase models, where legroom is limousine-like. Add in a hatchback boot with up to 495 litres of space, and suddenly this isn’t just a sports car in disguise – it’s a Porsche you can live with every day.

Design – The Closest Thing to a 911 in a Saloon

Here’s a hot take: the rear of the new Panamera is probably the closest you’ll get to the post-911 rear end in any other Porsche. With its sleek LED light bar stretching across the back and wide, sculpted haunches, it carries unmistakable Porsche DNA.

It looks elegant, powerful, and sophisticated – equally at home pulling up at a business meeting as it is parked outside a five-star hotel.

Why the Panamera is Underrated

So why doesn’t the Panamera get the recognition it deserves? Maybe it’s overshadowed by the popularity of the Cayenne SUV or the eternal halo effect of the 911. But in truth, the Panamera offers something unique:

• Sports car performance with genuine practicality.

• Luxury saloon comfort without compromise.

• Hybrid technology that makes sense for modern driving habits.

If you’ve ever dismissed the Panamera as “just the big Porsche,” it’s time to take a second look.

Leasing the Porsche Panamera

Leasing makes owning a Panamera more accessible than you might think. With Motorlet, you can:

• Drive a brand-new Porsche without worrying about depreciation.

• Enjoy road tax, manufacturer warranty, and breakdown cover included for the duration of your lease.

• Choose flexible terms and mileage to suit your driving habits.

Whether you want the E-Hybrid for efficiency or the Turbo S for thrills, leasing a Porsche Panamera is a smart way to enjoy luxury performance without the long-term commitment of ownership.

👉 View our latest Porsche Panamera lease deals here

Final Word

The Porsche Panamera is far more than just a four-door Porsche. It’s a luxury performance saloon that combines speed, comfort, and cutting-edge hybrid tech in a way few rivals can match. And with its sleek design – especially that 911-inspired rear – it might just be one of the best-kept secrets in Porsche’s line-up.

If you’ve slept on the Panamera until now, maybe it’s time to wake up and see what you’ve been missing.

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