Just wanted to share my frustration with so many of the comments I see bashing the Panamera.
I do not (at present) own a Panamera but sincerely am of the opinion that the car is a huge leap forward for the 4 door sedan segment.

As opposed to applauding this accomplishment, many people seem to feel more comfortable sitting on the sideline and bashing the car. Granted, the looks are non conventional and take some time getting used to, but that was no different with the Cayenne.
What really impresses me is that technologically and performance wise, this car can take on the best of sports cars. Last month Road and track featured an article on the Lexus LFA, Toyota's new 'super' car. A couple of pages further down the magazine there was an article on the Panamera. Ironically, some of the specs on the Panamera Turbo (including zero to 60 time) were better than the LFA. Hah ! 4 door sedan beats Japanese super car. Anybody notice ?
Still, it seems to be safer and more popular to call the car 'ugly'.

Being an automotive fanatic, I've seen this reaction over and over again. In 2003 with the advent on the new Viper SRT-10, it was popular to bash the new car on the VCA website (I was a Viper owner at that point in time). More recently, I saw the same reaction against the new MV Agusta F4 sports bike (motorcycle "art"). In every instance, these vehicles were huge leaps forwards in both design and technology.
All I want to say is, be open minded and give this vehicle a chance.
Off my soap box now

 

The panamera has a personality of its own and should not be compared to the "other" quintessential sports car ...the 911. It truly is a perfomance 4 door sports sedan. A lot of the criticism is due to it's unconventional looks. The few people who I know that have driven it say that it looks, smells, and breathes Porsche DNA.

 

I've driven it 3 times, and it really performs. I gave up my 996 with a 997s engine, and many mods from GT3 and Cup cars. It was great at the track. I need a car that will hold a lot and carry four people. The Panamera feels GREAT on the on/off ramps, etc. I happen to think it is beautiful too. I'm looking forward to mine coming. It is hard to wait.

 

The same statement can be made about the LFA. Regardless of the price, everybody will knock on it because of its origin.

Expensive cars are just toys for grown-ups, although the word "grown-up" is used somewhat liberally. We are always comparing toys and saying mine is more expensive and faster; etc. There's always somebody that's going to say, "I'd rather buy 'x' than that car." It's human nature to be a hater.

 

I am excited as it shows that Porsche is looking forward and following the 'If you build it, they will come' Mantra. I love the look of the Panamera, one day I will hope to find myself going for a ride in one.

What makes me more excited is that this is a new chassis for Porsche, they '928' renderings look awesome. Same with the 'vert and the coupe versions.

Give it time and people will be all over this thing.

 

I think for many family folks Panamera will become a perfect DD car. I can see a huge segment of people who had to use Cayenne now may switch to Panamera.

But I also hope next car revision will alter its rear side - current one is not very attractive IMHO. As of car itself - sales figures speak for themselves. This car found her fans right away.

 

For most people, if you're going to spend that kind of cash on a car then you better love how it looks. I, personally, just don't like certain angles. Then, just as simple as that, it isn't on my Xmas wish list. Heck, I hate how my Cayenne looks w/o the Techart body kit (I do like the GTS body work as well).

 

Nice thread. I like the looks, but the performance and technology are beyond any German sedan I have owned. Including an M5. It has set a new standard, and I'm glad my garage has one parked there. If you own so much as a Z06, beware of feeling too confident.