2011 Porsche Panamera V6 test drive

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After the model year 2010 debut of the V8-powered Panamera S, Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo models, Porsche debuts the V6-powered entry-level Panameras: The Panamera ($75,350) and all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 ($79,850). With EPA estimates of 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway (RWD) and 18/26 (AWD), the V6 betters the V8 on price and fuel economy. Divisive as it is, the Panamera has proven that it can blend Porsche performance with true German luxury -- but will that hold true for the V6 versions? Read on.

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Aaron pretty much said it all when he reviewed the 2010 Porsche Panamera S: "I love the Panamera because it shows what talented engineers and designers can do when given a clean sheet of paper, a clearly-defined set of goals and no restrictions... it is one of the best sports sedans I've ever driven." I couldn't agree more. So, I was a little nervous when Porsche invited me to Cologne, Germany to drive the 2011 Panamera. Sure, a V8-powered sedan could live up to the Porsche name, but would a V6 have a chance?

As it turns out, I needn't have been concerned. True to form, Porsche didn't just jam any old V6 engine under the Panamera's sculpted hood. Even though there's a very serviceable V6 in the VW/Porsche arsenal, Panamera's engineers set out to build a lower-profile, wider-angle V6 that would better fit the vehicle's design and needs. In essence, they re-engineered the V8, lopping off two cylinders to create a 90-degree 3.6 liter V6. Despite their relationship, the V6 and V8 only share 40% of their parts. The V6 generates 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, a far cry from the V8's 400 hp/369 lb-ft and the V8 turbo's shocking 500 hp/516 lb-ft. In context, the V6's numbers are humble, but in the real world, 300 hp is plenty. I got a chance to try out the Panamera on Germany's famed Autobahn, which has sections of unrestricted straightaway where it is legal to drive as fast as conditions allow. The V6 Panamera pulled hard well into the triple digits without complaint or hesitation, and rumors of a 159 mph top speed were confirmed.

In the absence of excess power, Panamera's driving qualities and handling abilities came into sharp focus. There's an elemental "Porsche-ness" to the steering -- it is direct, immediate and delightfully responsive. The 7-speed PDK twin-clutch automatic transmission matches perfectly with the engine. Too bad we won't get the six-speed manual transmission here in the US -- I drove a Euro-spec sedan with the manual, and it amped up the "sports car" quotient of the Panamera substantially. But Porsche says that Americans don't buy the manual when it is offered on the Cayenne, so they're not even going to bother with the Panamera. Bummer.

There's an awesome Burmester high-end surround sound system, an option that turns the sedan's cabin into a studio-quality listening room. Mobile audiophiles should take notice -- it might be the best factory-installed system I've ever heard.

I'm still not sold on the Panamera's look, but I figure that's only a problem when I'm not behind the wheel. It's difficult to conceive of a $75,000 vehicle as a bargain -- especially when the option list can raise the price to over $160,000 -- but if any sedan qualifies, it might be the 2011 Porsche Panamera. Not only do you get Porsche engineering, driving quality and luxury for the price, you get it for $16,000 less than the least-expensive Panamera S. That's a bargain in my book. Especially when the Panamera is so spectacular to drive. -- Jason Fogelson

Disclosure: This test drive was conducted at a manufacturer-sponsored press event. Travel, accommodations, vehicles and fuel were provided by Porsche. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.