The 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S defies easy categorization, much like many vehicles bearing the Porsche crest. Initially, one might be tempted to dismiss it as a stretched or flattened Cayenne, but experiencing its driving dynamics quickly dispels that notion. While hints of the iconic 911 4S are present when behind the wheel, labeling it simply a stretched 911 also falls short. Porsche has truly forged a unique automotive identity with the Panamera 4S, carving out its own niche within their prestigious lineup.
Positioned amongst flagship German sedans such as the BMW 750i, Mercedes-Benz S550, and Audi A8, the 2010 Panamera 4s distinguishes itself through its remarkably sporty handling. It elevates driving engagement to a level where competitors in its class, while luxurious, can feel comparatively less dynamic. The Panamera 4S injects a dose of Porsche’s renowned sporting DNA into the executive sedan segment.
Adding to its distinctiveness is the Panamera’s fastback silhouette. This design incorporates a full hatchback at the rear, granting access to a surprisingly spacious luggage area – an unusual touch of practicality in such a high-performance and premium vehicle. Early glimpses of the Panamera’s styling sparked mixed reactions, yet upon closer inspection and time spent with the car, particularly appreciating the rear quarter and front fascia, its design nuances become more appealing.
Inside the Panamera 4S: Luxurious Appointments Meet Sports Car Sensibility
Stepping into the cabin of the 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S, occupants are immediately enveloped in an ambiance of luxury, characterized by fine leather, elegant wood trim, and metallic accents. These premium materials initially suggest a plush, comfort-focused ride. However, the firm seats and a suspension setup that relays road texture directly to the driver challenge this initial assumption. Instead of isolating passengers from the road, the Panamera 4S provides a tactile connection, akin to a sports car, enabling drivers to keenly perceive and react to subtle changes in the road surface.
The 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S comes equipped standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), a system adjustable through console-mounted controls. PASM offers three modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus. While labeled “Comfort,” this setting leans towards the firmer side of the spectrum. For spirited driving, Sport and especially Sport Plus modes progressively stiffen the suspension, enhancing handling prowess. In demanding cornering scenarios, Sport Plus mode truly optimizes the Panamera 4S’s agility and control.
PASM operates by continuously adapting shock absorber firmness based on real-time driving data. An optional air suspension system for the Panamera allows for ride height adjustments, although this feature was not present in the tested model. Drivers can easily toggle through suspension modes using dedicated buttons, or engage Sport or Sport Plus modes, which simultaneously sharpen throttle response and modify the transmission’s shift programming for a more aggressive driving experience.
Power and Performance: The Heart of the Panamera 4S
Under the hood, the 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S houses a potent 4.8-liter V-8 engine incorporating direct injection and variable valve timing. This powerplant generates 400 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, delivering immediate power and a rewarding engine note. Porsche officially clocks the 0-60 mph sprint at 4.8 seconds, but tests have shown it can achieve even quicker times, especially with the optional Sports Chrono Package Plus, which further enhances launch performance.
Despite its robust performance, the 2010 Panamera 4S demonstrates commendable fuel efficiency for its class. EPA estimates are 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Real-world mixed driving conditions, including city streets, mountain roads, and freeways, yielded an observed fuel economy of 18.2 mpg, highlighting its relative efficiency.
Contributing to both fuel economy and performance is the standard Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), Porsche’s advanced seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. PDK keeps engine speeds relatively low during highway cruising, around 2,000 rpm at cruising speeds. A low curb weight of approximately 4,101 pounds also aids in efficiency and agility.
The PDK transmission excels in its responsiveness. Even a slight press of the accelerator at highway speeds prompts immediate downshifts, often dropping from seventh to sixth gear. Deeper throttle input triggers further downshifts, unleashing exhilarating acceleration. The seamless interplay between the engine and PDK transmission makes overtaking maneuvers a genuinely enjoyable aspect of driving the Panamera 4S.
In corners, the 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S showcases handling prowess that belies its five-door hatchback configuration. In Sport mode, PDK maintains higher engine speeds for readily available power, though the suspension may exhibit slightly more body roll. Switching to Sport Plus mode transforms the cornering experience. The engine revs climb aggressively towards the 7,000 rpm redline, while the chassis remains remarkably flat and composed, enabling rapid and confident transitions through curves.
While PDK offers a manual shift mode, the steering wheel-mounted shift buttons in the 2010 Panamera 4S present a design flaw. Their placement high on the steering wheel rim makes them difficult to reach with hands in a typical driving position, diminishing their practicality for quick gear changes during spirited driving.
Technology and Interior Features: Modern Infotainment with Porsche Flair
The instrument cluster of the 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S retains Porsche’s classic layout, positioning the tachometer centrally and the speedometer to the left, a nod to its sports car heritage. A digital speedometer display within the tachometer provides a convenient and precise speed readout. To the right of the tachometer, a circular LCD screen within another gauge housing offers a wealth of information, including navigation prompts, mapping, audio selection, phone functions, and trip data.
Complementing this auxiliary display is a central touchscreen interface in the dashboard. Porsche significantly modernized its in-cabin technology for the Panamera, featuring hard drive-based navigation with 3D building renderings in major cities and detailed topographical maps, rivaling systems from BMW and Audi. The touchscreen facilitates direct address input, route calculations are swift, and navigation graphics are clear and easy to follow. Voice prompts incorporate text-to-speech, announcing street names for enhanced guidance. The system includes traffic data, and while dynamic rerouting wasn’t explicitly stated, traffic warnings with detour options were observed during testing.
The tested Panamera 4S included an optional Bluetooth phone system, a feature arguably expected as standard in this price range. This system offered comprehensive functionality, importing phone contacts and making them accessible via the touchscreen. However, a notable omission in the 2010 Panamera 4S is a voice command system.
The touchscreen also serves as the interface for iPod integration. The user-friendly interface displays item counts within categories like album, artist, and genre. USB drives and MP3 CDs utilize a folder and file-based interface. Although the car has an internal hard drive, it’s not used for music storage.
Audio is delivered through a premium 585-watt Bose sound system with 14 speakers. This system surpasses typical automotive Bose setups, delivering audio quality approaching high-end aftermarket systems. It offers a balanced sound profile with deep bass reproduction, clear highs, and detailed midranges, free of distortion even at higher volumes.
Final Verdict: The 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S – A Unique Proposition
The 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S successfully blends the exhilarating driving dynamics of a sports car with the practicality of a luxury sedan. Its finely tuned engine, dynamic suspension, and responsive dual-clutch transmission coalesce to create a thoroughly engaging driving experience. This performance is packaged within a distinctive fastback sedan body style, offering surprising versatility.
While the cabin technology is advanced, it represents an area where the Panamera 4S meets but doesn’t necessarily exceed its luxury competitors. Navigation and audio systems are on par with rivals, but lack groundbreaking innovation. The absence of a voice command system is a notable drawback, particularly for hands-free phone operation.
The exterior styling of the Panamera may polarize opinions, but its uniqueness is undeniable. The hatchback design and resulting practicality are definite advantages. Inside, the touchscreen interface is functional, and the secondary LCD in the instrument cluster is a welcome feature. However, the poorly positioned steering wheel shift buttons are an unexpected ergonomic misstep from Porsche.
2010 Porsche Panamera 4S Specs:
| Model | 2010 Porsche Panamera |
|---|---|
| Trim | 4S |
| Powertrain | Direct injection 4.8-liter V-8 |
| EPA fuel economy | 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway |
| Observed fuel economy | 18.2 mpg |
| Navigation | Hard drive-based with traffic |
| Bluetooth phone support | Optional |
| Disc player | MP3 compatible single CD |
| MP3 player support | iPod integration |
| Other digital audio | USB drive, Bluetooth streaming audio, Satellite radio |
| Audio system | Bose 585 watt 14 speaker system |
| Driver aids | Park distance sensors, rear view camera |
| Base price | $93,800 |
| Price as tested | $107,040 |
