![\"2017](\"http:\/\/luxurycarmagazine.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/2017-Porsche-Panamera-490.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIn the late 80s, Porsche created the 989 Prototype which essentially looked like a taller stretched 911 from the era. Evidently, it was never produced so Porsche never really learned much from the project. But then, for the 2010 model year, they unleashed the Panamera which was greeted with equal parts enthusiasm and um, displeasure due to its styling. Despite the naysayers, the saloon soon took off, outselling the Cayman and Boxster depending on the year and quickly taking its place alongside the Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series as a highly competitive and sporty alternative.<\/p>\n
For this year, Porsche\u2019s returned with a new Panamera now closer in character to the S-Class but without ignoring its roots. The small gap that existed between the two is now almost nil. Will this hurt or improve the big Porsche\u2019s appeal? Currently tied in second place in sales year-to-date within its segment, I think it will do better than ever.<\/p>\n
Styling inside\/out<\/strong><\/p>\n The new Panamera now more than ever looks like a Porsche. The previous car was a Porsche but was stylistically very different from the others, including the Cayenne. Now, the brand\u2019s entire line-up is cohesive with a general unifying allure.<\/p>\n From the front, the car borrows from the 911 and 918 and the rear is nearly all 911. The flowing roofline is less prominent than the old car, endowing the new Panamera with a more coupe-like profile. The Sedan is nice however, for me, it\u2019s Sport Turismo all the way.<\/p>\n Despite the car\u2019s wheelbase being 30mm longer, it almost seems shorter thanks to sharper proportions and sleeker front and rear overhangs. Even with a keen eye, the differences between the base car and the Turbo is not so obvious to pinpoint especially given the fact that Turbo wheels are an option on the base. This is the only mildly negative comment I have against my tester. Any of the 20\u201d wheels would have raised the visual stakes of my Mahogany Metallic unit.<\/p>\n Comfort\/space<\/strong><\/p>\n The completely restyled interior is a 21st<\/sup> Century approach to what was Porsche\u2019s very contemporary cabin layout. The center console takes precedence, as it did, but this time carries a uniform glossy surface with touch-sensitive commands that is lovely but not as intuitive as the old flowing series of buttons. The design is premium high-end stuff much like the seats, both front and rear.<\/p>\n The 14-way power front perches are exemplary in their form and function while at the rear, two passengers take place with a full array of controls through a large screen at their disposal. There truly is no bad seat in this house. The aforementioned extended wheelbase allows for more room for utmost wellbeing while the trunk will swallow loads of gear.<\/p>\n