2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

Overview

No longer the ugly duckling of the Porsche lineup, the Panamera sedan spawns a new body style for the 2018 model year. A wagon by any other name, the Sport Turismo proffers the Panamera's newfound style in a more versatile package—versatile being a relative term, because the Sport Turismo's cargo hold is among the smallest in its class. Offered exclusively with all-wheel drive, the Sport Turismo is available with three powertrains—one a gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid. (The ultra-high-performance Turbo Sport Turismo, not covered here, also comes in a plug-in-hybrid version.) All Sport Turismo models move with gusto, and while they handle well by most standards, they don't live up to the brand's reputation for otherworldly dynamics and driver involvement. Nevertheless, if you accept this German wagonette as the luxury-lined cruise missile that it is, then you'll surely be pleased with the Panamera Sport Turismo's sultry style, comfortable ride, and high-quality cabin.

What's New for 2018?

The Sport Turismo is a new addition to the Panamera lineup. Following in the tread marks of the Panamera sedan, the Sport Turismo trades the standard model's fastback profile for an upright rear hatch. In short, it's a station wagon. It's also a Porsche, and the Sport Turismo is—unsurprisingly—an alluring combination of seductive style and speed. Three versions are available: the base Sport Turismo 4 (the 4 stands for all-wheel drive), the E-Hybrid, and the 4S.

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Pricing

Original MSRP:

• 4: $97,250
• E-Hybrid: $105,050
• 4S: $110,250

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Whether opting for the entry-level 330-hp turbocharged V-6 of our 4 test vehicle or spending the coin to get into the quicker twin-turbocharged 440-hp 4S or 462-hp gasoline-electric E-Hybrid, every Panamera Sport Turismo offers all the oomph needed for daily driving—and in most cases a lot more. A clairvoyant eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is the icing on top of the Sport Turismo's powertrain cake. Refinement is never wanting in the Panamera Sport Turismo. Noise, vibration, and harshness are kept in check throughout the Sport Turismo lineup, the engines' sounds are expensive and sweet, and the transition between power sources in the hybrid model is almost imperceptible. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo can charge at either a 120-volt or a 240-volt outlet. A full charge requires 12.5 hours on standard 120-volt house current but only four hours on 240 volts. Springing for the optional 7.2-kW onboard charger ($840) shortens the charge time on 240 volts to 2.4 hours. The Panamera Sport Turismo's performance figures might scream Porsche, but the German wagon's uninvolved driving experience and comfort-oriented ride are more akin to what we would expect from a vehicle with an Audi badge. A standard air suspension and sticky performance tires allow the Panamera Sport Turismo to float over ragged roads and corner as if it's on rails.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA's website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Panamera Sport Turismo sports an interior that favors form over function. Although the materials and build quality are top-notch, the Porsche wagon lacks adequate interior storage space, and the dashboard suffers from a number of ergonomic blunders. In spite of its wagon body style, the Panamera Sport Turismo is short on both cargo space and passenger-area storage cubbies. Its cargo bay is noticeably smaller than its competitors. A 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat expands the available space considerably, but the Porsche still falls short of its wagon rivals.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Panamera Sport Turismo's 12.3-inch infotainment screen may look pretty, but its attractive wrapper hides a messy interface with overcomplicated menus, ergonomic challenges, and functional limitations, including limited communication with the two 7.0-inch screens that flank the gauge cluster’s analog tachometer. The Panamera Sport Turismo's infotainment system comes well equipped out of the box and includes niceties such as a navigation system, in-car Wi-Fi, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Strangely, Android Auto and wireless charging are unavailable throughout the Panamera Sport Turismo lineup.

Safety Features and Crash-Test Ratings

For information about the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information, visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.