When I first saw a Panamera, I thought, ‘wow, a stretched Porsche 911 with four doors, how cool’. But interestingly, when a Porsche runs up behind you on the freeway, it’s hard to tell if it’s a 911, Panamera, or Taycan chasing you.
It won’t be back there for long, though, because these are some of the fastest cars in the world, and its driver will be sure it overtakes you as soon as possible. Even with four doors, a backseat, and room for five, it’s easy to see the Porsche heritage in the Panamera.
Features of the Porsche Panamera
The Porsche Panamera has more trim levels than any company making sedans. The price range of the 24 trim levels of the Panamera runs from $92,400 for the Panamera model. The other end of this range of sports sedans has a starting MSRP of $200,400 for the Porsche Panamera. Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo.
The base Porsche Panamera is powered by a 2.9L V6 with twin-scroll turbos that produce 325 horsepower. Its zero to 60 miles per hour time is 5.3 seconds, making it the slowest model in the lineup. Fuel mileage for this Porsche model is 18 city and 24 highway miles per gallon.
However, the highest-powered Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is a mild hybrid. This model of the Panamera uses a gas-powered engine with electric motors for a boost that together produces 690 horsepower by combining a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged gas engine with electric motors.
This power will take the Panamera from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.0 seconds. However, it will cost you over $200,000.
Related: Porsche 911 vs Corvette Stingray
Three cars most similar to the Porsche Panamera
One of the top three cars most similar to the Porsche Panamera is the Porsche Taycan. The other German brand that competes most closely, in my opinion, is the BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe.
The Cadillac is added because I have nostalgic memories of Cadillacs. However, the CT5-V is a sport luxury sedan like the other two of the top three cars on this list and has a lower MSRP than many.
1. BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
The core model of the BMW Gran Coupe lineup is the 840i Gran Coupe with a starting MSRP of $87,500, and the all-wheel drive equipped 840i xDrive with a starting MSRP of $90,400. Fuel mileage in this trim is 21 city/ 29 highway miles per gallon.
BMW’s iconic 3.0L inline six-cylinder powers both with TwinPower Turbo, which produces 335. Horsepower. The zero to sixty times of the BMW 840i Gran Coupe is 4.9 seconds, and with all-wheel drive, it can make the run in 4.6 seconds.
The highest-level trim of the BMW Gran Coupe is the M8 Gran Coupe. Again, BMW has pulled out all the stops with this model. Powered by a 4.4L BMW M TwinTurbo Power V8 that produces 617 horsepower, it can propel the M8 from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.0 seconds. That’s faster than the Panamera base model. However, the starting MSRP of the BMW M8 Gran Coupe is $134,100.
2. Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing can hold its own with any sports sedan on this list. With a starting MSRP of $50,995, the base CT5 V-Series is faster and as spacious as the Panamera. However, when you add Blackwing trim, the starting MSRP rises to $90,995.
This is a car that can go head-to-head with any model of the Panamera and hold its own. The hand-built, 6.2L supercharged V8 of the CT5-V Blackwing produces 668 horsepower. It can make the run from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds, which is quick for a four-door sedan of any kind.
The fact that a Caddie is performing this feat is terrific. The estimated fuel mileage of the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is 13 city/ 23 highway miles per gallon. The big V8 can put out the power. However, it is much thirstier than similar V6 engines.
3. Maserati Quattroporte
Almost identical in size and intent, the Maserati Quattroporte GT has a starting MSRP of $101,800, which aligns with Panamera’s entry-level model.
The power for the Quattroporte GT is a 3.0L V6 that produces 345 horsepower. However, the zero to 60 times of the GT is a well-kept secret. Fuel mileage for this model is 16 city/ 25 highway miles per gallon.
When placed in the following two trim levels, the same V6 from the GT gets tuned to develop 424 horsepower. The zero to 60 times of the all-wheel drive variant of the Quattroporte Modena Q4 is 4.8 seconds.
The top-level Quattroporte Trofeo gets a 3.8L V8 that develops 580 horsepower that takes this model from zero to 60 in 4.2 seconds. The starting MSRP is $151,000, which is the midway mark of the 24 trim levels of the Porsche Panamera. The thing about the Maserati over other similar cars is it has the Italian flair that gives it as much panache as the Porsche Panamera.
Other cars similar to the Porsche Panamera
There is a limit to the models of luxury sports sedans in the $80,000 to $100,000 range. However, a few cars priced lower and higher will give the Porsche Panamera a good run on the track.
4. Alfa Romeo Giulia
Another Italian brand, the Alfa Romeo Giulia, can do everything the Porsche Panamera does at a lower price. The base Giulia has a starting MSRP of $43,350. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 280 horsepower.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia base model can make the run from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds. The fuel mileage of this model is 24 city/ 33 highway and 33 combined miles per gallon.
The most expensive trim level of the Giulia is the Quadrifoglio, which is powered by a twin-turbo 2.9L V6 that produces 505 horsepower. Its starting MSRP is $80,030. Nevertheless, it can make it from zero to 60 in a smoking 3.8 seconds, for thousands less than the price of a Panamera.
Even though the Giulia Quadrifoglio has much more power than its siblings, it returns fuel mileage of 17 city/ 25 highway and 20 combined miles per gallon. As a sports sedan similar to the Porsche, the Giulias’ performance is very close to the Panameras.
5. The Audi S7 is similar to the Porsche Panamera — and less expensive
The Audi S7 has many similarities to the Panamera, but on the other hand, it has more power, a quicker 0-60 mile per hour time, and room for five passengers. Best of all, it is priced thousands of dollars less than the Porsche. The starting MSRP of the S7 is $82,500.
For that price, you get a turbocharged 2.9L V6 that produces 444 horsepower. The zero to 60 times for this Audi is 4.5 seconds, with standard all-wheel-drive. Fuel mileage is 19 city/ 26 highway and 22 combined miles per gallon.
With an Audi A7, you get more for less than when purchasing a Porsche. With more power and full-time all-wheel drive, the Audi A7 is worth a look if you consider a Panamera.
6. The Audi RS 7 is as fast as the Porsche and looks as good, too.
Audi has always built cars that handle well, have good road manners, and are fast, in the case of the RS 7. Very fast. It is powered by a turbocharged 4.0L V8 that produces 591 horsepower.
This Audi sports sedan can run from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. The starting MSRP for this highway eater is $118,500. Although that is higher than the Porsche Panamera’s base price, it is lower than any Porsche that can run a 0-60 second time in under 4 seconds.
Fuel mileage for the Audi RS 7 is 15 city/ 22 highway and 17 combined miles per hour. Not bad for a car with this amount of power and ability.
7. The BMW M5 Sedan is priced similarly to the Panamera.
This sedan is built to go up against the Panamera and has more power, racy lines, and basic power that is above and beyond most cars on this list. BMW has never pretended to be anything but a company that produces sportscars. Although some of these cars are big luxurious sedans, the BMWs still handle like sports cars.
The M5 is a model of the best BMW has to offer. Its 4.4L V8 Twin Turbo gas engine produces 617 horsepower when equipped with the competition package. That’s a lot of cars to be street legal. However, it can carry you and four passengers in luxury and comfort.
The fuel mileage of this racy Bimmer is 15 city/ 21 highway miles per gallon. Considering its size and power, that’s not too bad. Whatever road you go down, your BMW M5 will lead the pack.
8. Genesis G90
The Genesis G90 is fast. However, it is also elegant. The lines of the Genesis more closely resemble a Rolls Royce or a Bentley than those of the Panamera. However, the Genesis G90 has as much power and is as agile as any sedan on this list.
The standard power on the Genesis G90 is a 3.3L V6 with twin turbos which produces 365 horsepower. It can make it from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.3 seconds. Fuel mileage for this model is 17 city/ 24 highway miles per gallon.
The optional V8 produces 420 horsepower and returns a zero to 60 time of 5.1 seconds. Available in two trims, the G90 3.5T AWD is the base model, and the G90 3.5T E-Supercharger AWD will give you the boost of a 48-volt electric motor that will enable a fast launch of your G90. The G90 3.5T AWD has a starting MSRP of $88,400. The Hybrid drive G90s starting MSRP is $99,795.
9. Lexus LS 500
There are five trim levels for the Lexus, beginning with the base LS 500. Its starting MSRP is $77,250. The highest priced model is the LS 500h AWD, which uses the same engine as the other four models, but is a Multistage Hybrid Drive, and its starting MSRP is $113,150.
Power for the first four trim levels of the Lexus LS 500 is a 3.5 L, twin-turbo V6 that produces 416 horsepower. This power can take the LS 500 from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds. The highest-priced, hybridized Lexus LS 500 has a zero to 60 time of 5.2 seconds, which is still well in line with the performance of the Porsche Panamera.
Fuel mileage for the first four trim levels of the Lexus LS 500 is 29 miles per gallon highway and 22 combined. All models of the LS 500 have room for five passengers, and Lexus automobiles have rides that will keep everyone comfortable. Especially you, if you are the one driving.
10. Mercedes E Class
The Mercedes E Class models start with the E 350 model, which has an MSRP of $54,950. At the same time, the top-level AMG E 53 Sedan has a starting MSRP of $75,000.
Power for the E 350 is from a turbocharged 2.0L inline 4-cylinder that produces 255 horsepower. It can make the run from zero to 60 miles per hour in a leisurely 6.1 seconds.
On the other end of the spectrum, however, the AMG E53 Sedan gets its power from an AMG-enhanced 3.0L inline six-cylinder that produces 429 horsepower, which lowers the zero to 60 run for the E53 to 4.4 seconds.
Fuel mileage for the E 350 is 23 city and 31 highway miles per gallon. The more powerful AMG E53 returns fuel mileage of 21 city and 29 highway miles per gallon. For a car as fast as the AMG E 53, that’s acceptable mileage.
11. Mercedes S Class
Like the Genesis G90, the Mercedes S-Class Sedan is elegant. Available in two trim levels, the S 500 4Matic Sedan and the S 580 4MATIC sedan. The starting MSRP of these two cars is $111,100 for the S 500 and $117,700 for the S 580.
The power of the S 500 comes from a 3.0L turbocharged inline six-cylinder. It produces 429 horsepower and can launch this big sedan from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds. Fuel mileage is a surprising 21 city and 30 highway miles per gallon.
The S 580, on the other hand, is powered by a 4.0L bi-turbo V8 with a mild hybrid drive. It produces 496 horsepower. It has the power to run from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds, which for a large sedan is remarkable.
12. Volvo S 90
Another big sedan that can carry five passengers in cozy comfort, the starting MSRP of the Volvo S90 is $57,000. The S90 is powered by a turbo and supercharged 2.0L inline 4-cylinder, producing 295 horsepower. The zero to 60 times for the S 90 is 5.4 seconds.
From the crystal gear shifter to the soft leather upholstery, the Volvo S90 wraps in luxury. Although it is less expensive than the Porsche Panamera, the Volvo S90 is one of the safest cars on the road.
The fuel mileage of the Volvo S 90 is 23 city and 32 highway miles per gallon. Although it is a mild hybrid, the S 90 is similar to the Porsche Panamera and costs almost half the price.
FAQs about the Porsche Panamera
Is the Porsche Panamera dependable?
The Panamera doesn’t have the best reliability score, even though the Porsche 911 has one of the highest reliability ratings of any car.
Are Porsches expensive to maintain?
The cost to maintain a Porsche is about $1200 per year. This is well within line of many other sports sedans and lower than many.
Are Porsches Panamera comfortable cars?
The cabin of the Porsche Panamera is covered in high-quality leather and soft-touch surfaces. So yes, the Porsche Panamera is very comfortable.