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 and 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 4.0-litre V8 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 and 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 and 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 and equipment: Trims are dependent on engine choice, although all Panameras come with plenty of standard equipment. The entry-level 4 has 19in alloy wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, leather seats, cruise control, power-folding door mirrors and heated front seats. If you want privacy glass, keyless entry and adjustable lumbar adjustment, you'll have to keep an eye out for cars with them fitted s options. The 4S adds air suspension and better brakes on top of the kit you get with the 4.

The GTS adds a sports exhaust, different styling, 20in alloys, a heated steering wheel and part Alcantara seats, while the Turbos improve on that with a panoramic sunroof, metallic paint, 21in alloys, a head-up display and keyless entry.

In 2021, Porsche introduced a Platinum Edition for the 4 and 4 E-Hybrid. It's a special, high-end trim and includes 21in alloys, platinum-coloured exterior accents, matrix LED headlights, 14-way electrically adjustable front seats, soft-close doors, four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and a Bose sound system.

Facelift: In late 2020, the Panamera was given a light facelift, which included a tweaked front bumper and a new LED rear light bar. The engine lineup was also updated, delivering improved performance, while hybrid models benefited from a larger battery that extended their electric-only range.

"The second-generation Panamera is the only version available as a Sport Turismo estate, since the third-generation car is hatchback-only. I think this makes it a particularly appealing choice." – Mark Pearson, Used Cars Editor

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 £28,000 for an early car, even one with a higher mileage. For a 2018 car with average mileage and a full service history, you'll pay nearer £35,000, depending on engine and trim.

The Sport Turismos are less common, so generally attract a premium over the standard car. Prices for these start from around £35,000.

Turbo models start from at least £40,000, while the Turbo S starts from £45,000. For a 2021 example, you'll be paying upwards of £50,000 and more than £60,000 for a 2022 model. Later cars from 2023 also start from around £60,000, while top-spec models from 2021, 2022 and 2023 rise up to the £85,000 mark.

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 fee, which is currently £195 per year for all models. Cars will also be subject to a luxury car supplement, currently £425 per year for years two to five, since they cost more than £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.

Warranty

Porsche’s warranty isn’t limited by mileage, but it does end after three years unless you extend it at extra cost. Porsche Approved Pre-Owned cars from official dealers are available with up to two years of warranty, along with two years of roadside assistance.

Reliability

The Panamera is a sturdy choice, according to real-world owner reviews analysed as part of our annual What Car? Reliability Survey. While the mechanicals are durable, electrical glitches and air suspension leaks can lead to "staggering" repair bills once the warranty expires. Owners also noted that while faults are infrequent, official dealer labour rates remain high.

To find out more about used Porsche Panamera reliability and common problems, head to our dedicated reliability page.

Engine

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.

Specification

The trim levels are tied to the engine, so 4 E-Hybrid is the version we'd go for. Handily, it comes well equipped, but keep an eye out for optional extras. Porsche tends to keep some items off the standard equipment list, with most owners speccing cars up keenly when new.

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.

As a practical alternative to the Panamera Sport Turismo, take a look at the Audi RS6. It offers stonking performance from its 4.0-litre V8, along with a big boot. For those looking for luxurious alternatives, there's the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class to consider as well.

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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