Without question, we really liked Porsche's new Panamera. There are, however, a few quibbles that deserve mention. Our biggest gripe is centered on those maddening, and non-intuitive, steering wheel mounted PDK sliders -- just give us a standard set of paddle shifters (upshift right, downshift left). In addition, the limited visibility out the rear half of the car requires head craning during lane changes and backing maneuvers that will keep your vertebrae limber. The long hood does its part to mask the location of the front corners during parking, requiring more time behind the wheel for familiarization. The steering is light at low speeds, and that cool center console loaded with buttons just isn't intuitive when attempting to operate by touch (it's most irritating when you want to change suspension settings at 135 mph). The lack of a push-button start is also puzzling.



These minor criticisms shouldn't keep BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi owners from perusing the Porsche showroom this October 17 when the Panamera goes on sale. Even in today's depressed economy, the automaker is predicting 20,000 units will be sold in its first year, with one third of those finding garages in the U.S.

Every Porsche executive we spoke with was beaming with pride about the new Panamera, and none seem fazed by those questioning the logic behind the launch of the brand's first-ever four-door sedan. The proud Germans from Stuttgart have seen a fair share of debate surrounding their products in recent years (automatic transmissions, water-cooled engines, and that Cayenne issue), and have always prevailed as their faithful acclimate to innovation.



We believe that time will once again vindicate Porsche's latest decision to hurl itself into the competitive luxury sport sedan segment. Our three days with the Panamera left little doubt that Porsche has achieved its program objectives in its first-round attempt. Not only is it painstakingly engineered and truly enjoyable to drive... most importantly, the all-new Panamera has earned the right to wear the Porsche badge.