mark levinson is the mark levinson of real hi-end systems.
i have not heard burmester, car i saw had 'stock' sound as I was told, it was nothing special. good to know panamera has good option for sound.

 

The 6 cyl is really all one needs.
My last road trip netted 29.8 MPG
Much better than my 08 Cayenne S

 

I traded in my C4S for a P4S. The P4S is a great 4 door sedan. It might not feel fast, but it's fast, it just doesn't feel like it. Fantastic gas mileage with a range that I have never experienced 600+ miles per tank, it's got a big tank! Get the right color combo/wheels and the car looks great! I get more compliments on this car than I certainly expected! The cockpit is fantastic! That being said, I do miss the 6speed and that Flat 6 howl !

 

You can't option the start/stop feature off in the Panamera? The US spec car shouldn't even have it, it provides no credit for MPG in the US test suite.

 

You can turn it OFF, and it will stay OFF.

The Auto Start-Stop function may be activated or deactivated by a button located on the center console.

 

I also attended the Porsche driver's school (in November, 2010) and was very impressed by the "fast lap" in the Panamera Turbo. However, a professional driver could probably impress me with a 1963 Ford Falcon on that motorcycle track...

My last car was a M5 and the Panamera turbo could blow the doors off it, but the bid turbo just feels like a fat powerful car. I'll save my money for the 2013 911.

I hear that the Panamera turbo is a big seller in China- where I doubt they get up to half of Autobahn speeds-except on a dyno.

 

The start/stop may not get you MPG credit in the US but it does believe it or not save gas, which is not the worst objective to have. Also, it really is pretty non-intrusive in the Panamera once you get used to it. I found it actually pretty cool, and in Europe it at least let's you avoid the odd negative look at the lights when you can point to the car turning off (normally noticed by the guy next to you or behind you when you take your foot off the brake and it turns back on with a nice hum....).

 

Everytime I hear this I'm reminded of Richard Hammond's quote on that feature on the Panamera: "That's like buying the Buckingham Palace, but only live in the kitchen because you're afraid of wearing out the carpet."

I really want to like the Panamera, as dynamically, I don't think it has an equal. However, I'm still waiting for its rear-end to grow on me.

 

is there like a 2nd and 3rd battery to help start the car again and again?

 

MJones, surely you have at least a story to tell off your trip. Or, is it at the Pano spot?

 

Honestly guys, if you REALLY consider buying Panamera or any similar car, YOU HAVE TO TEST DRIVE! It's a unique car, with styling that some love and some hate, and driving dynamics that may or may not be important to you vs. other features in a sedan.

For me, there's more value in some other cars and I still can't stand the looks of the car (again that's personal - no flames pls), but I can totally understand people who might find the car very appealing.

 

No offense to the Panamera enthusiasts, but a used M3 sedan is a hell of a car for a hell of a price.

 

True, but very small. And with very poor mileage.

 

100% agreed.

M3 e92 does the ring at 8:05, Panamera TURBO is 7:56... I bet V6 is closer to 8:30... so when one can have the M3 for LESS than Panamera V6, then that's no brainer to me!

 

I commuted in a mercedes E550 coupe for 7 months, 13,000 miles. Fast, very comfortable, excellent stereo, amazing radar cruise control. Steering was very light, stability in cross winds was so-so, but overall an ok ride. No soul. It is the car to drive if you don't want to know you are driving.

I am now making the commute in a GT3. I am happy