Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Review: The Wagon Hero That Shouldn't Exist

In our SUV-obsessed world, it's almost a surprise that the Sport Turismo was given the green light. But we're glad it's here
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Review: The Wagon Hero That Shouldn't Exist

Cool estate cars are becoming a rare breed. The inexorable rise of the SUV has gone hand-in-hand with the wagon falling out of favour, and it’s pretty disheartening to see.

There won’t be a Giulia estate, because as far as Alfa Romeo is concerned, the Stelvio already has the practicality box ticked. It’s much the same for Jaguar’s XE, and while the SUV hasn’t ever been directly blamed for the demise of the five-door M5, you can’t help but wonder if the existence of the X5M has meant there just isn’t room for it.

The Panamera Sport Turismo, then, has come as something of a surprise. Particularly given that it comes from Porsche - the majority of the cars it sells now are SUVs, and in the year before the ST arrived, the Macan on its own outsold the 911, Panamera and the 718 twins combined. But it’s a surprise of a thoroughly pleasant nature, as I found in my first drive of the £83,288 E-Hybrid version.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Review: The Wagon Hero That Shouldn't Exist

First, let’s consider the looks. How pretty is this thing? The standard ‘fastback’ model is already a huge step forward in the aesthetics department compared to its fugly predecessor, but adding that boot has done wonders for the Panamera. Lower the air suspension, and it looks squat, purposeful and ready to gobble up your favourite road at a moment’s notice.

Is that something it’s able to do? Well, this is where it gets a little complicated, since our test Panamera ST was the E-Hybrid version. And it’s over 300kg heavier than the entry-level V6. Nope, that’s not a typo.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Review: The Wagon Hero That Shouldn't Exist

On top of that you can factor in a more minor 30kg weight increase for the ST’s ass, bringing the total figure to over 2100kg. And you do feel that weight as you start to play with the limits of what the all-wheel drive E-Hybrid is capable of. It can be hustled quickly down a twisty road, but this particular ST quickly starts to feel unwieldy and uncomfortable with its mass, as though it’s just been told to run through an obstacle course after scoffing a massive takeaway. Keep the speed down, and you can get into a satisfying, enjoyable rhythm with it.

There’s a hell of a lot of grip and traction on offer - helped by vast rear tyres that are wider than those you’d find on the back of a 911 GT3 - and it certainly doesn’t feel slow. Up front you’ll find a twin-turbocharged V6 producing 326bhp and 332lb ft of torque, teaming up with an electric motor that belts out 134bhp and 295lb ft of delicious, instantly-delivered twist. All told, this gives you a total system power of 456bhp and 516lb ft.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Review: The Wagon Hero That Shouldn't Exist

0-62mph takes just 4.6, which is as fast as a base 911 Carrera. But the raw numbers can’t adequately relay the sheer sense of surprise when it comes to the way this thing accelerates, both on the move and from a standstill with launch control. When you’re playing around with the latter feature, the E-Hybrid feels damn near as aggressive as the V8-powered Turbo model as it shoots you off the line.

It’s incredibly addictive, and the power delivery is far more interesting than that of the conventional 4S. It’s also supremely effective at combating turbo lag.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Review: The Wagon Hero That Shouldn't Exist

As with a lot of hybrids though, whether or not this is the Sport Turismo for you depends entirely upon how you’re going to drive it. If you do a lot of shorter trips and have somewhere to fully charge the 14kWh battery before you leave the house, the benefits are huge - without really trying, I managed to clock 90mpg on a trip to the next town over, with the engine only kicking in a few times. But then on long distance journeys, you’ll struggle to get much over 35mpg. Plus you’ll have less boot space to play with thanks to all the hybrid guts - with the rear seats up, the E-Hybrid has a 420-litre capacity as opposed to 520. Boo.

For some derivatives, the ST is already more popular than the fastback. We can see why...
For some derivatives, the ST is already more popular than the fastback. We…

There are plenty of other engine options available however, and each is a compelling alternative to the de rigueur posho SUV. The ST’s ride is silky smooth, the cabin is beautifully trimmed and the tech is amazing - I’m in love with that gigantic touch screen, even if it’s not the easiest unit to get used to.

If you’re looking at a premium, high-riding chunk of pomposity from one of the German big three, I can guarantee it’ll be neither this handsome or as good to drive as a Panamera Sport Turismo. Do the right thing and cancel your order. Then get one of these. You won’t regret it.

Comments

Anonymous

Sport Turismo all day over some SUV

06/10/2018 - 14:31 |
80 | 0
Tomislav Celić

Cough The Wagon has less liters of boot space to the normal Panamera Cough

Makes the space more accesible tho

06/10/2018 - 14:44 |
3 | 2

The hatch/fastback is 495 litres, so the wagon does have a tiny bit more! But yeah like you said, it’s more about accessibility, plus if it’s a single large item (e.g. furniture) you would be able to use the space above the measured luggage area in a way you wouldn’t be able to with the hatch

06/10/2018 - 14:52 |
7 | 0
TheMindGarage

It’s an awesome car, but my tastes are probably more suited to the sportier E63 S Estate or Alpina B5 Touring. This is more of a luxury car with a dash of sportiness than a sporty car with some luxury. Exactly what a Cayenne does, but better.

06/10/2018 - 15:00 |
21 | 0

haven’t you heard about panamera turbo?

06/10/2018 - 21:13 |
1 | 0
Rahul 1

These Wagon Heros should exist, because if they didn’t, then we still would have to drive behind these SUVs looking ot their bulky, behemoth like monstrosity of a figure…It’s always a pleasure looking at wagons instead of SUVs

06/10/2018 - 15:01 |
9 | 0
Chewbacca_buddy (McLaren squad)(VW GTI Clubsport)(McLaren 60

In reply to by Rahul 1

On paper it makes no sense as to why Porsche made this seeing as they have the standard Panamera, the Macan, and the Cayenne, but they made it because why not?

06/10/2018 - 15:20 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

That moment you notice that the first picture is taken at a place you pass a lot on your way to school/going back from school.

Did you guys take these pictures or are they taken from the interwebs?

06/10/2018 - 17:22 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Sint Michiels

06/10/2018 - 18:39 |
0 | 0
Andy 1

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Well spotted! We took them on the way to Ghent coming from De Haan. The top static picture is in Ghent

06/14/2018 - 10:46 |
0 | 0
BlueLion205

Thanks for that article! I imagine, it must be kind of disappointing how the e-Hybrid corners. When a car weighs over 2 tons, you‘ll always feel the weight.
Will you guys be able to test a Mercedes S560e? I drive it a lot at work and a comparison to the Porsche would be interesting due to the Merc‘s RWD.

06/10/2018 - 17:51 |
0 | 0

It still has four wheel steering and etc. In reviews, they said the handling is very good and sharp. Not to mention most big cars are over 2 tons nowdays. The panamera is also as big as the S class.

06/13/2018 - 16:16 |
0 | 0
Tseko

Wagons are better than Crossovers! Change my mind!

06/10/2018 - 20:30 |
3 | 0
Tseko

In reply to by Tseko

Or what we know as “SUVs” in 2018… not saying there aren’t any good but you get me.

06/10/2018 - 20:32 |
0 | 0
White Comet

In reply to by Tseko

before you know it, the Crossovers and SUV will gradually claim their identities as “grand coupe”. Which is utterly nonsense.

06/11/2018 - 21:20 |
1 | 0
TheBagel

Saw this car for the first time when I was in germany in December. I walked into the dealer and I didn’t know what it was, but I loved it. Saw it on the road, and man I love that car

06/10/2018 - 20:35 |
0 | 0
boi_

Wagons over SUVs anyday

06/11/2018 - 07:46 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

I think the interior is well balanced (luxury /sporty) it’s truly one of the best interiors I’ve ever seen thanks Porsche

06/11/2018 - 17:09 |
1 | 0

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