Hi,

Let me say first off, I'm not down on this car. I find the car better looking in person to my surprise. I love my Porsche dealer, and I need a new four door sedan. But, I just can't wrap my mind around the purpose of the Panamera, or what kind of person would but it. I'll explain.

First the car is described as a four door sedan. But, the trunk space is limited in my opinion, I can't see being able to carry several sets of full size golf bags without folding down the back seat/seats. That rather defeats the purpose of a four seater. Not enough storage compared to the A8, 7 series, MB, etc.

Next, it's described as a "four door sports car", not a four door sedan, ala Audi A8. First, I don't want to carry four people with me for a canyon run. Second, I would not take this car out to drive the twisties when I have a sports car in the garage. I know Porsche is demonstrating the car on the track, but hell, you put four people in any car and it takes the fun out of it. Besides, who really cares how the car performs on a track? That's not the purpose of the car.

It's not the greatest snow car, or so I suppose, not enough ground clearance for Colorado mountains. Rather have the Pepper.

At $150,000 or so for a decked out TT, I can't imagine anyone not cross shopping a Bentley. I know I'm checking it out for that kind of coin. I'd venture to say anyone who can afford $150K plus, can afford a Bentley.

Porsche does not have a good depreciation/resale record at this price range, check out GT2 resale.

Finally, and important to me, the car is already offered at three price points, and with the introduction of the cheaper V6, four models. A hybrid, then five. If I'm shelling out $150 long or so, I want the prestige of a high end car, not a car shared with a $75K or so V6. "Yes, I have a Panamera". "Wow, those are what, $75,000?" "No, it's the TT, and it's $160,000." You won't have that conversation when you own a Bentley. The Panamera won't be exclusive.

I love the interior, and am kind of trying to justify buying a Pan, but just can't get over the above thoughts. I'd like to stay local with my dealer, but can't see why I would not get the new upcoming Audi A8, which is supposed to be a humdinger.

Can people help me out here? Where have I gone wrong? Who will buy this car, and why?

 

Honestly You make a great point!

I am almost on the same boat and dont know what the hell to do at the moment. I have 3 months to figure his out, and if a used turbo gets on the market for 100k I may jump on it. If I see a huge depreciation on the s and 4s I may stay away from this car in general, for the reason you stated above.

I would say your best buy will be the V6 for your money and it will hold its value the best as does the lower end cayenne.

Im 26 have a GTS have had 997s 997tt cayenneS and another GTS. My wife drives the GTS and I am considering the Panamera since I usually have atleast 1 passenger in the car at a time and in my business I am normally picking up produts that I need that trunk space... a 911 is out of the picture a SUV is already in the family and I want a sports car but need room so the Panamera seems ideal....

Hope this helps

 

I asked this precise question to the project manager who led the Panamera dvpt. His answer was that the target segment is defined in terms of cars currently owned, with three categories:
- A8/S-class/7-series sedans which don't feel sporty enough
- sports cars ŕ-la-997 Carrera which lack practicality
- SUVs fatigue
These are the folks that the Panamera targets, right or wrong. And then there's the fact that most people buy more an idea than truly exploitable potential when they buy a car.

Of course there is competition, but I don't think that comparing a stuffed up Panamera Turbo with a barebone Flying Spur and a 25K differential makes a ton of sense.

 

I fit the category of SUV fatigue.

I would not be interested in the Panamera if it were not for the ability to transport large-format packages (freight?) to and from a store or the office. I am trading a Mercedes GL450 for the Panamera because I no longer need the vast cargo capacity with the 2nd and 3rd row seats folded down. I used to have two daughters going to and from college without their own vehicles and I needed the cargo capacity along with an occasional trailer tow to get the job done. Now, the one with all the junk has graduated and her younger, less-of-a-pack-rat sister has a Honda Fit that can carry most of her dorm room's contents in it with her.

Now, I don't really need a large SUV anymore. The Panamera has about 3/4 of the cargo capacity of a Cayenne in the case of the back seats folded or if compared with rear seats in their upright positions, either way. I would much rather have the Panamera than a Cayenne, and if only the Cayenne were available, I'd rather keep the GL450.

The Panamera will become my all-weather daily driver. I already have a Carrera GT if I need some track excitement, but it's not something I drive to the office. And, I don't really consider a Flying Spur, A8, S63 (no 4-matic), or 750 as flexible enough to be a daily driver for how I live and what I do.

The hatch in the back makes the Panamera the one I want.

 

the same persons that buy AMG, M and RS cars.
the difference is that is the first real 4-door sports sedan in contrast to its competitors who are just sportier comfort versions.
And it is closer to a sportscar (and a 911) than any other sedan.
i think u can solve the problem with ur golf bags, cause u rarely drive to the golf club with 4 passengers on board.

 

I love the front treatment of the turbo. But you are right, with upcoming V6 and hybrid, I feel like it makes more sense to go with just the S... When is the new A8 making it to the US? What else is there? Too many S class, 7 series, Lexus LS around. This is unique, for now. I do not think there will be too many around because this is a love it or hate it car.