MotorMouths

Despite its tonnage, the Panamera GTS is still the best-handling, most accessible huge sedan out there. And it has a wonderful, architectural-quality interior. Is it a modern-day Gatsby’s car? It could be.

With a hatchback lends more versatility than the average full-size luxury sedan, and you could a merely adequate driving experience. Thankfully, the Panamera exceeds expectations in this regard, even when equipped with the base, V-6 engine.

Equipped with Porsche’s new 3.6-liter V6, the Panamera and Panamera 4 offer the same looks, comfort, handling and braking as their V8 counterparts, but with better fuel economy and a lower price of entry.

The 2012 Porsche Panamera provides amazing performance and cosseting luxury in a practical sedan/hatchback package.

The Porsche Panamera can carry four adults in supreme comfort and qualifies as a no-compromise luxury sedan. All Panameras perform well on the street and the track. We think it’s one of the world’s best luxury sports sedans.

The V-6 Panamera is essentially the same car as the S and it, too, is a joy to drive. You give up some raw speed but not much else. A truly great luxury car at a bargain (for Porsche) price

Porsche is aiming for the sporty side of the luxury-car market, and Panamera hits the mark. This 4-door hatchback also scores points for its cargo versatility and passenger room and comfort.

Consider the 2011 Porsche Panamera and Panamera 4 very competent 300 horsepower sport sedans that just happen to be fitted with a thoroughly modern six-cylinder powerplant. The V6 has effectively priced Porsche’s first sedan back in the midst of its European competition.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S is insanely fast and unexpectedly agile. In defiance of its length, wheelbase and mass, this sedan is also implausibly athletic.

The Panamera 4 is the sleeper in Porsche’s four-door lineup. It doesn’t lose much in performance to the V-8–engined Panamera 4S, uses less gas, and has a base price that’s $15,800 lower.

It’s difficult to conceive of a $75,000 vehicle as a bargain — especially when the option list can raise the price to over $160,000 — but if any sedan qualifies, it might be the 2011 Porsche Panamera.

We doubt that promised Panamera Hybrid will be as agile and fun as this unexpectedly great, entry-level V-6. If you want an economical Panamera—the V-6 returns around 25 mpg in the European cycle—we say don’t wait.