The 2024 Porsche Panamera 4 continues the legacy of one of the most admired luxury sports sedans in the world. For years, the Panamera has delivered a unique blend of Porsche’s racing heritage with the comfort and luxury that discerning drivers expect in a high-end executive sedan. The Panamera 4, specifically, offers all-wheel drive, which adds traction and stability, making it suitable for a variety of driving conditions. Yet, despite its many strengths, there’s a growing consensus that it lacks in one key area: power. While the car is impressive in many aspects, drivers seeking the heart-racing adrenaline rush typically associated with Porsche may find the Panamera 4 a bit underwhelming when it comes to sheer performance.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes the 2024 Panamera 4 a stellar vehicle, examine the areas where it shines, and address the elephant in the room—why it might leave enthusiasts yearning for more power.
The Classic Panamera Experience
Since its debut, the Porsche Panamera has set itself apart by offering a luxurious driving experience that can be just as comfortable cruising through city streets as it is tearing down the autobahn. The 2024 Panamera 4 maintains this reputation, with its dynamic design and advanced technology making it an eye-catching yet practical vehicle. The latest version maintains the sleek and sporty silhouette Porsche enthusiasts know well, combining elegance with an aggressive posture.
The Panamera 4’s interior reflects Porsche’s commitment to luxury and innovation. High-quality materials, advanced infotainment systems, and a spacious cabin define the driving experience. The intuitive Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system integrates smartphone connectivity, voice commands, and navigation, providing drivers and passengers alike with seamless control over the vehicle’s technology. Furthermore, Porsche’s ergonomic seat design ensures comfort over long drives, while providing the supportive bolstering needed during more spirited driving sessions.
Where the 2024 Panamera 4 particularly excels is in its handling. Equipped with Porsche’s signature all-wheel-drive system, the Panamera 4 delivers confidence on the road. Whether driving in adverse weather conditions or taking sharp corners at speed, the vehicle remains composed, offering precise steering and excellent road feedback.
But, despite its mastery of luxury and handling, there’s an undeniable sense that something is missing under the hood.
Power and Performance: Good, But Not Great
The 2024 Porsche Panamera 4 comes with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 325 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers are respectable for many luxury sedans, they fall short of the expectations that come with the Porsche name. For context, the Panamera’s competitors in the same price bracket, like the BMW M5 and Audi RS7, offer substantially more horsepower, pushing well past the 500-600 horsepower range.
This difference becomes apparent when behind the wheel of the Panamera 4. Though the car can still reach 0-60 mph in a reasonable 5.2 seconds, it lacks the visceral, neck-snapping acceleration that Porsche fans crave. For those who primarily seek a luxurious ride with solid performance, the Panamera 4 will not disappoint. However, for adrenaline-seeking drivers, accustomed to the raw power of Porsche’s sports cars, it might feel like the engine is holding something back.
The Panamera 4 delivers smooth and linear power, but at times it can feel somewhat muted. This sensation is particularly noticeable when accelerating from a standstill or attempting to overtake vehicles on the highway. While the car does eventually get up to speed, it doesn’t provide the thrilling rush that many expect from the German automaker. In contrast, models like the Panamera GTS and Turbo S are much more aligned with Porsche’s performance heritage, offering significantly more horsepower.
A Perfect Candidate for More Power
Considering the Panamera 4’s exceptional handling, luxurious interior, and cutting-edge technology, the vehicle feels like a perfect candidate for more power. It’s almost as if the car’s platform is begging for a more potent engine. The twin-turbo V6 is adequate, but it’s evident that the chassis, suspension, and braking systems could easily handle more horsepower without compromising stability or safety.
This raises the question: Why didn’t Porsche give the Panamera 4 more power? Part of the answer may lie in the brand’s strategy to create a tiered performance experience within the Panamera lineup. Porsche wants to ensure that its more powerful models, like the Panamera GTS, Turbo S, or Turbo S E-Hybrid, have a clear advantage over the base Panamera 4. These models feature more robust engines, with the Turbo S pushing out 620 horsepower and the Turbo S E-Hybrid adding even more, courtesy of its hybrid powertrain.
However, for a vehicle that already sits in the premium segment, some enthusiasts and critics argue that the Panamera 4 deserves a bit more muscle, even if it doesn’t match the top-tier models. The balance of luxury and performance is a delicate one, but adding a bit more horsepower could push the Panamera 4 from being a great car to an exceptional one.
What It Does Well
While some may focus on its lack of raw power, the 2024 Panamera 4 shines in a variety of areas that shouldn’t be overlooked. Porsche’s engineering mastery is evident in the car’s cornering ability, braking performance, and ride comfort. The all-wheel-drive system ensures that power is distributed evenly across the wheels, offering superior traction in both dry and wet conditions.
The ride quality is plush without being too soft. Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) system constantly adjusts the shock absorbers to suit the driving conditions, ensuring a smooth ride on the highway and a firmer, sportier feel when you’re driving more aggressively. For many, this balance between comfort and agility is one of the Panamera 4’s greatest strengths.
Additionally, the Panamera 4’s interior is a testament to Porsche’s attention to detail. From the layout of the dashboard to the quality of the materials, the car exudes luxury from every angle. It’s a vehicle that is as comfortable for long-distance cruising as it is for spirited weekend drives.
Is the Panamera 4 for You?
The 2024 Porsche Panamera 4 is a remarkable luxury sedan that offers a harmonious blend of performance, comfort, and technology. It’s a perfect fit for drivers who value the Porsche brand’s prestige and want a car that can handle daily driving with ease while still providing a sporty experience. However, for those looking for exhilarating speed and extreme power, the Panamera 4 may not fully satisfy their needs.
Ultimately, the Panamera 4 excels in many areas, but its modest power output leaves it a step behind its high-performance siblings. Whether Porsche will answer calls for a more powerful base model remains to be seen. For now, the Panamera 4 stands as a superb luxury sedan with all the qualities you’d expect from Porsche—minus the explosive performance. For some, this balance is ideal; for others, it may leave them dreaming of what could be.
In the end, the 2024 Panamera 4 is a stellar ride, but it’s clear that an extra boost of power could take it to new heights.