The practical qualities of the Panamera are borne out by the luggage compartment. After opening the rear lid, the passengers are able to stow four suitcases behind the rear seats - the convenient loading height means they can be placed in an upright position for easy access. The luggage compartment capacity in the Panamera S and 4S is 15.6 cu/ft, maximum stowage in the Panamera Turbo is 15.1 cu/ft - and with the rear seat backs folded, capacity increases to 43.8 cu/ft.
Initially, the Panamera is entering the market with V8 power units only, featuring either rear or all-wheel drive. The Panamera S is powered by a 4.8 liter developing 400hp. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by a six speed manual transmission as standard, or the optional seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) double-clutch transmission.
The Panamera features Direct Fuel Injection engine technology, low-friction drive systems and lightweight bodyshells for optimum efficiency. Furthermore, offered in combination with the PDK transmission is the new Porsche Auto Start Stop function. This automatically switches off and restarts the engine when stationary to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions - for example, at traffic lights or in congestion.
The Panamera S, when fitted with the PDK option, can accelerate to 62mph in 5.4sec and on to a top speed of 176mph. The Panamera 4S features the same V8, and with engine power conveyed to all four wheels via the seven-speed PDK, it can cceleration to 62mph in 5.0sec. Top speed is 175mph.
At the head of the Panamera line-up is the Panamera Turbo, offering a twin-turbo 4.8 liter V8 developing 500hp, with power transmitted again by the PDK. With all-wheel drive as standard, the Panamera Turbo accelerates to 62mph in 4.2sec and reaches a top speed of 188mph.