Some folks look down on base models, but then, they probably haven’t experienced the Porsche Panamera. The Porsche Panamera is an automotive “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” capable of changing into something else entirely. The truth is plainly evident; the 2021 Porsche Panamera is a sports car, a family car, and a luxury car.

The 2021 Porsche Panamera launches and corners like a sports car

The 2021 Porsche Panamera is quick. With 325 horsepower on tap, the Panamera might not sound that swift, but it is. The previous iteration’s powerplant was packing a turbocharged 3.0L engine, which a twin-turbocharged 2.9L V6 has since replaced. Porsche claimed a respectable 0-60 mph time of just 5.1 seconds, an improvement of 0.1 seconds. Quite frankly, it’s nothing to dismiss for a four-door, 4,222-lb car.

However, in testing, Car and Driver piloted the car to 60 mph in a blistering 4.4 seconds. Add launch control with the Sport Chrono package, and the Porsche really sprints. In addition to the impressive acceleration, the Panamera can handle like a sports car. The beefy son of Zuffenhausen managed to achieve 0.99 lateral g when tackling the skidpad. Additionally, during the road test, the Panamera cornered flatly and intently through both rural and urban streets.

Panamera is a car for the whole family

The 2021 Porsche Panamera is comfortable, with headroom and legroom to spare. That is unless you’re pretty tall. In addition to the generous interior space, natural light bathes the cabin due to the application of two prominent glass roof members.

If you have a family, they’ll undoubtedly appreciate the space. Porsche designed the Panamera with a wide opening and accommodating set of doors, more than spacious enough for effortless entry and exit. The Panamera’s rear doors also allow easy access and installation of child seats.

Cargo volume is another benefit of the Panamera over traditional sports sedans and coupes. Opening the rear hatch of the base model reveals 18 cubic feet of cargo volume. However, if that won’t cut it, the owner can fold the rear seats in sections to accommodate up to 47 cubic feet of cargo.

Porsche Panamera is a luxury car

Car and Driver calls the 2021 Porsche Panamera’s interior “well built and understated.” The color palettes and mixes of materials leave the occupant little to be desired. In addition to materials, the generous space and natural light create a luxurious environment inside the Panamera. Finally, with the addition of a Premium package, the Panamera will feature four-zone climate control, heated seats, and soft-close doors.

What does the Panamera do poorly?

While the base model Panamera does many things well, it has some shortcomings. The most glaring fault of the Porsche is that the optional extras add up quickly. Once you consider optional extras like the Premium package, Sport Chrono package, and ceramic composite brakes, the cost of the Panamera gets out of hand. In fact, a fully loaded Panamera will be in Panamera 4S price territory.

The Panamera 4S is faster and more aggressive than the base model, but that is the point of the 4S. Consumers who want an AWD drag strip star should look no further than a 4S. However, if you’re looking for a comfortable four-door family car with Porsche performance, you can stop at the base model.

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