I am really sorry guys, but I must say I saw the Panamera last night here in LA at the Vanity Fair event and I was so dissapointed with the car. The only good thing about the car is the interior everything else is a big let down. What the hell is Porsche thinking? This car will be a total flop. I have no idea what's the point of the Panamera? First off it look like crap, it seats four and the car costs 130k for the turbo. WTF Porsche! You really screwed up, Iwill never pay 130k or let alone 100k for this POS!

 

Wow - that's quite a statement. On the other hand, I stopped by Pfaff Porsche in Toronto today (where I've purchased my last 2 911's) and saw the Panamera for the first time.

It was in likely the ugliest color I have ever seen, but I walked away stunned by how beautiful this car is. I can't imagine this parked beside an S63 or a 750iL - there's absolutely no comparison. One is old man, old style, and the Panamera is so fresh, so elegant, so much a Porsche. So much better in person than in photos. When you sit in the driver's seat, it's like getting into your 911, only way more elegant. I'm sold.

They've already sold their entire year of Panamera Turbos, but the 4S is the one I want (matches my C4S Cab).

Jmac

 

This is "what makes horse races". Some people will hate it, but an awful lot will love it. Almost everyone who has seen a Panamera in person loves it. I think Porsche knew it would be stunning in person (at least to most people). I'm sure they will have no trouble selling the car. Those who don't like it will not buy it, but there are plenty enough who will love it, I suspect.

 

those who want to bash it will bash it no matter what.
i mean it was the same with the cayenne and the comments back then were much harsher and what happened? the Cayenne is the best selling Porsche model now. the panamera won`t overtake the Cayenne in sales cause it is more expensive but i am sure it will grow/has grown on enough people.
as far as i am concerned, the back is the only thing i would have changed a bit but the rest of the car is simply amazing. judging the car just by its big butt is simply ignorant cause the car has a great appearance in reality, is very unique and is no doubt an awesome piece of engineering.

 

Porsche has from around 1997-1999 been mass produced and another model shouldn't hurt someones feelings.

I'm pretty sure no one here should learn Porsche how to do pre-production market research They're making it because there's a big potential and probably know stuff about their customers we at 6speed don't. Like all other companies, they want $ and here's another excuse to fill the piggy bank...

I feel like mocking Panamera buyers but they made a choice because the car attracts them or suits their needs. End of discussion...

 

It's going to be interesting to see with the US$ steadily declining if Porsche can keep their prices in the USA at a somewhat reasonable level. They may be currency hedging to help them.

 

We have always respected Porsche because of their credo, "form follows function". This is truly the case with the Panamera. It may not be pretty to many people, but it sure is functional and gets the job done.

 

Vtandon, just for a reference what are you currently driving?

 

Haven't seen it in person yet. I have not been impressed with the photo's though. May be one of those cars that grows on you with time.

 

I really want to like the panamera, but being a 4 seaters may be a deal breaker for a lot of families.

A pana 4S will cost as much as a Cayenne Turbo. As a family utility car, I can't see why one will buy the 4S over a CTT unless one hates SUV.

 

997 Turbo, Cayenne S and CLS 550. I have owned multiple Porsche, 964 C2, 993 Carrea 4S. Does that answer your question?

 

I agree, and it must drive amazing, but don't you have to look at the thing parked in your driveway, or walking up to your car to get into it. Why drive an ugly car?

 

Agreed. Why buy an ugly 100k car?

 

My sense is that a lot of people who may be calling it "ugly" have yet to see it in the flesh. If they still think its ugly after seeing it live, then I guess we're just talking about beauty in the eye of the beholder, as it were...

 

"we're just talking about beauty in the eye of the beholder, as it were..."

exactly and sales will tell the story in the end!

Those guys who are bashing the Pana don`t even even make precise distinctions of the parts they like or don`t like. i cannot take anyone of their comments seriously. there may be parts (for example roofline, rear) one could find odd looking but it is simply pure ignorance to call it ugly in toto, simple as that. u guys cannot be true Porsche Fans, who try to understand the concept and the history that has been translated into that car (928, CGT etc.).