Should I have gotten a Panamera?

I have driven a few Pannameras. The turbo is scary fast. I must agree with the comments that the looks are hard to like. I will add the price point, especially the Turbo Panny, is very difficult to accept. Good resale compared to the BMW.

Panamera can be custom order in so many different ways and some true Porsche enthusiasts I know of rarely cross shop. I guess “there is no substitute” never fade.

RR Ghost is another interesting selection but not sure about the driving dynamic. At least OP stay within the BMW family.

This has to be one of the best threads here so far. I have to admit that I like the Panamera and do not find it unattractive...there's just something about it; particularly in the grey or white Porsche paint colours. From what I've read and seen the GTS version of that car may be its sweet spot.

Before I got my 2012 AH 7 less than a month ago, I had my choice for a new car narrowed down to the all new 650i coupe, new Cayenne S Hybrid or the Panamera S. Really, really wanted the 650i, but need 4 doors for my kid!! The Cayenne had excellent fit and finish, but the Hybrid version felt very "elastic" and felt and sounded like a Hybrid (not something I want in a Porsche). The Panamera looked, handled, drove, and felt totally amazing...but I (for the first time) made my decision on practicality. The AH 7 lease payment was about $500/less a month, it was $4,000/less due down at signing, the mpg is slightly better and the BMW came with free maintenance. Sometimes I wish I had gotten the Panamera, but I still find the rear end god awful (and I think the 7 Series rear end is gorgeous...better than the front! I still do not love the flat, upright enormous double kidney grilles on the 7 Series; but I love the headlight design).

Originally Posted by Deutsch100

(and I think the 7 Series rear end is gorgeous...better than the front! I still do not love the flat, upright enormous double kidney grilles on the 7 Series; but I love the headlight design).

Interesting, because it was the looks of the front and the rear of the 7 Series that caught my eye at the time when I was tinking "what's next?". I really like the look of the large kidney grills. I agree with you though that the 7 has a very good looking rear-end.

If the prices are the same, I'd pick Panamera. The rear end looked pretty bad at first. I've come to like it now, especially in darker colors.

Originally Posted by avi8tir

I feel the same exact way.... I am 30 and my lease on my 2008 M5 is almost up. I doubt I'll get a good buyout deal so Im assuming its good-bye M5. My dilemma is what to get next. The 5 series is just too small for me - exception obviously made if its an M5.... The 750i is an awesome car - really comfortable and tons of tech... but I, too think its a bit too "old" for me.

The Panamera is butt ugly. Great car, great performer, uncomfortable for long periods.... and BUTT UGLY.

Have you considered the Maserati Quattroporte? There are some awesome deals out there on those right now.

Whatever you do, do not get a Maserati. I hear nothing but bad things from those that succumbed to their looks. From what I understand it is a powerful beast, but it is extremely idiosyncratic, the builds are inconsistent from car to car, and the dealers are less than accommodating when you have problems. They apparrently view most flaws as features that highlight the uniqueness of the car.

It was the discussions in this thread that got me to this...http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=631701

I guess it's true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

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Originally Posted by BMR2009

I am very impressed with the comments on this thread--great perspective.

While driving downtown Dallas yesterday I saw a Panamera pull up next to me. I swear that thing looks like it has a hatachback. Not impressed with the looks of the car at all, but the contrast colors are very attractive. I wouldn't buy one EVER. I would consider a Mercedes AMG.

I don't care for the looks of the Panamera at all--no matter what the price is. You almost feel sorry for the schleps driving them because the car is really ugly and everyone knows it. Nice try Porsche, but now go back to the drawing board and do a better job. I promise the current style will tank as soon as they change the body style to something more pleasing.

I agree totally. The Panamera is the ugliest Porsche ever built, followed by the 928. I test drove it. The ride is OK, but the butt ugly look ... ugh.

Pity the poor suckers who fall for the Porsche marketing hype.

I think Panamera looks pretty good compared to Ferrari FF.

If I had the cash for a 750 (assuming you didnt get the super cheap AH 750 lease) or panamera, I'd seriously consider ponying up a bit more for a Maserati gran turismo. If you don't need 4 doors, this thing is such a sexy beast. And it's still a big comfortable car like a 6 or 7. Looks and sounds incredible albeit without the latest greatest tech like you find in the Germans. Then again the tech in the panamera is nothing to brag about. I know someone will pipe up with a Maserati horror story now but my sense is they've gotten much better.

Originally Posted by bmw325

If I had the cash for a 750 (assuming you didnt get the super cheap AH 750 lease) or panamera, I'd seriously consider ponying up a bit more for a Maserati gran turismo. If you don't need 4 doors, this thing is such a sexy beast. And it's still a big comfortable car like a 6 or 7. Looks and sounds incredible albeit without the latest greatest tech like you find in the Germans. Then again the tech in the panamera is nothing to brag about. I know someone will pipe up with a Maserati horror story now but my sense is they've gotten much better.

I don't think anyone looking at 7 or Pan is considering the Maserati GT. 6 series buyer should. They pretty much have the same size back seats.

FF is the worst looking Ferarri!

For Luxo flagship, I would only consider 7 or S class.

When i got in a panamera turbo, i feel "sport", my heart beats faster and my adrenaline level goes way up. While in the 750li, i sure that im gonna drive a comfort, luxury sedan that go fast than normal sedan. I would go with panamera if i didnt need 5 seat car now with more space on 2nd row, more trunk space, while were able to affort the 200k+ sticker price of the pan turbo s. (im ok to settle in 750li but not ok to stay with just the s, gts, or turbo pan.)

As for the look, the pan w/o rear spoiler is weird but one with spoiler and 21" titanium wheel is very nice. In addition, the pan. interior with carbon trim is addicting and its button just give me the feeling of exotic car. These two cars' classes are totally different

Well most people look at the badge, if the Panamera was badged say a Toyota most people would call it ugly an but because the Panamera has a Porsche badge most people will say it's a thing of beauty.

^^^ yep yep exactly.

I see quite a few in Prague now, have to say I quite like them. They have road presence with the Led lights in your rear view mirror, you know what is it instantly.

Originally Posted by f01driver

Well most people look at the badge, if the Panamera was badged say a Toyota most people would call it ugly an but because the Panamera has a Porsche badge most people will say it's a thing of beauty.

I think "ugly" is a word people use to describe things they perceive unappealing. It does not mean that the thing in question is in fact that. Quite often, I think, "ugly" is used as a descriptor for a thing that's new or unconventional...the Guggenheim Museum, the Mona Lisa, and the works of the Impressionists were so described by their contemporary critics.

Originally Posted by bmw325

If I had the cash for a 750 (assuming you didnt get the super cheap AH 750 lease) or panamera, I'd seriously consider ponying up a bit more for a Maserati gran turismo. If you don't need 4 doors, this thing is such a sexy beast. And it's still a big comfortable car like a 6 or 7. Looks and sounds incredible albeit without the latest greatest tech like you find in the Germans. Then again the tech in the panamera is nothing to brag about. I know someone will pipe up with a Maserati horror story now but my sense is they've gotten much better.

Super cheap AH7 lease?? I think this "super cheap" deal you speak of, has not exisited for a long time! There is nothing cheap about my AH7 lease. Assuming you get no discount on the MSRP...the lease starts at almost $1100/month for a base model "no options" AH7 ($97,000). Of course we know the AH7 has Eco Credits. So assuming you get roughly $10,000 off MSRP with a nicely optioned AH7 (my MSRP was almost $105,000)...the lease with $10k off MSRP is almost $1500/month. I negotiated a lot on my car, so I am quite a bit less than $1500/month, but there are no cheap AH7 leases!!!!!

I actually really like and almost covet the panamera now. When they first came out I couldn't stand them. Probably helps that I live in NYC and see them all the time. Also think the interiors are some of the best out there. Nice that they're doing something different than the traditional German luxury sedans.I never did warm up to the e65 7 series despite repeated exposure.

Everyone's first impression of the Panorama was that it is the ugliest Porsche ever built. It still does not look good now, we are just more used to it, just like the Guggenheim Museum, the Mona Lisa, and the works of the Impressionists were so described by their contemporary critics.

Originally Posted by CABimmerNation

Everyone's first impression of the Panorama was that it is the ugliest Porsche ever built. It still does not look good now, we are just more used to it, just like the Guggenheim Museum, the Mona Lisa, and the works of the Impressionists were so described by their contemporary critics.

Good one! I guess I'm like you...individual.

Originally Posted by tturedraider

Guys, you should feel old. You are nowhere near the target market for a 7er. The 7er market is executives in their 50s+ (maybe late 40s) and wealthy retired folks. I am in my forties and I can't imagine owning a 7er. I'll probably be driving a 3er 'til I'm in my 70s. I might go for a 5er when I hit my 80s.

Dude, how can the 5er be too small for a 30 year old? Do you already have a big family? Do you tote around big wig clients on a regular basis? You should do a two year lease on a new 550 and then when that's up you can pick up a new ///M5.

Personally, I can't imagine a 30 y.o. driving anything bigger than a 3er.

If your young and enjoy your 7, go for it!

When I was in my 30's, I had a 750i, 40 it was a MB SL (keeping it), now that I'm 50 it' a 640i GC.

To me, it cool to drive an older person car when your young, because your young. When your older, you may not want to drive ther older person wheels, getting the sports car makes you feel younger.

So maybe I'll revert back to a 750 or then M7, in my 60's.

there were about 20+ that got hybrid for leases under 1k/month....of course some much below 1k....ridiculous deal....I was scouting the Quattroportes, Panameras, XJLs,RR Superchaged etc...even X6Ms....but when I saw this hybrid deal, I laughed and thought no way....went right down to the dealer and order one same day......wasnt even considering this car, but wow it's converted me into a huge fan of the 7's......I think bmw has really converted me (this is my first). Although I'm still not super crazy about exterior of the Panamera, there's no questioning the interior design......very very sharp.....(coming from a former 911TT owner)