Is the 2018 Panamera the Best Wagon Ever?
Porsche is taking the Panamera Sport Turismo a step higher.
Ever since the news broke that Porsche was making plans to come out with a wagon version of the second-generation Panamera, we’ve been holding our breath like waiting for the next Game of Thrones episode. We’re not sure what it is about wagons but automotive journalists all seem to really be into them, including us, of course. We think we can all agree that the second-generation Panamera is way better-looking than its predecessor.
But just as Kelley Blue Book automotive analyst Michael Harley mentions in his review for Forbes, “the all-new Sport Turismo is going to knock your socks off.”
From the front half of the Panamera Sport Turismo, the car is virtually identical to its sedan counterpart, evening sharing the exact same wheelbase. It’s once you start looking from the B-pillar back where things start to get interesting. Gone is the sloping tailgate and instead you find a one-piece hatch. For the first time ever on a wagon, Porsche have fitted the Sport Turismo with an electronically operated rear spoiler designed to raise/lower to reduce drag or increase downforce depending on the speed. It will also decrease cabin buffeting when the optional panoramic roof system is in use. Pretty neat trick isn’t it? The active spoiler will retract smoothly back into place when it’s no needed.
Fast wagon? Sign us up!
The Sport Turismo comes in 4 different trim levels mainly focusing on the different engine choices. The Panamera 4 and 4S Sport Truism with come with turbocharged 3.0L engines with the 4S having two turbos over the single turbocharged 4. The 4 produces 330 horsepower while the 4S makes 440. Next we have the 4 E-Hybrid which has the same engine as the 4S but with an electric motor attached making a total of 462 horsepower. Lastly, we have the Turbo Sport Turismo making the most horsepower rated at 550 via twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8. For reference, KBB had the base 4 with 330 horsepower which can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in just about 5 seconds.
KBB mentions, “Dynamically, the Sport Turismo drives like a larger 911 sports car with five seats”. Having driven the Panamera, I’d have to agree with this statement. Also, did you notice that Harley mentions the Sport Turismo having five seats? Yes, unlike the sedan, the wagon version has an extra seat in the middle of the second row which Porsche describes the seating configuration being a 4+1. As usual Porsche’s 2nd gen PDK outperforms almost any other dual-clutch gearbox in the market and the adaptive dampers make the ride quality comfortable for commuting while being ready to attack some corners.
It seems that Porsche have once again knocked it out of the park with the 2018 Panamera Sport Turismo. What do you think about this awesome luxury sports wagon? Let us know in the forums!
