2018 Porsche Panamera

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Porsche Panamera
Pictured: Porsche 972 Turbo E-Hybrid IMG 0445. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
4 / 4s 4dr Sedan, 4 / 4s Executive 4dr Sedan, 4 E-Hybrid 4dr Sedan, 4 E-Hybrid Executive 4dr Sedan
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.9L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
Horsepower
330–550 hp
Transmission
automatic, 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
4
Fuel
Premium Gasoline, Plug-in Hybrid
MPG (best)
24 combined · 21 city / 28 hwy
Length
198.8–204.7 in
Curb weight
4,001–4,960 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Strong performanceUp to 550 hp, versus about 400 hp for similar 2018 models.
  • Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Porsche Panamera is a large car offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.9L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 199 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,123 lb (4 / 4s 4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 4% better than the 2018 large car average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2018

  • New plug-in hybrid version

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Panamera →

Trims, performance & features

Engine330 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Engine440 hp2.9L 6-cyl
Engine550 hp4.0L 8-cyl
Engine462 hp2.9L 6-cyl plug-in hybrid
Transmissionautomatic · 8-speed automatic
DriveRWD · AWD/4WD
Seating4 seats · 2 rows

Trims

Base / 44S4S Sport TurismoTurbo Sport Turismo4 E-Hybrid

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingOptional
Forward collision warningOptional
Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Lane departure warningOptional
Lane keeping assistOptional
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamOptional

Built in: Leipzig, Germany

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Panamera configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4 / 4s 4dr Sedan198.8 in76.4 in55.9 in116.1 in65 / 64.2 in4,123 lb52/48
4 / 4s Executive 4dr Sedan204.7 in76.4 in55.9 in122 in65 / 64.2 in4,365 lb52/48
4 E-Hybrid 4dr Sedan198.8 in76.4 in55.9 in116.1 in65 / 64.2 in4,784 lb48/52
4 E-Hybrid Executive 4dr Sedan204.7 in76.4 in55.9 in122 in65 / 64.2 in4,960 lb
4dr Sedan198.8 in76.4 in55.9 in116.1 in65 / 64.2 in4,001 lb52/48
Sport Turismo 4dr Wagon198.8 in76.4 in56.3 in116.1 in65 / 64.2 in4,145 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Panamera3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+4%$3,400369
Panamera 43.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)4-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 230%$3,550378
Panamera 4 Executive3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)4-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 230%$3,550378
Panamera 4S2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)4-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 230%$3,550378
Panamera 4S Executive2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)4-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 230%$3,550378
Panamera 4 ST3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)4-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 230%$3,550390
Panamera 4S ST2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)4-Wheel Drive20 / 26 / 22-5%$3,750401
Panamera 4 e-Hybrid ST Plug-in Hybrid2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22-5%$3,750260
Panamera 4 e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22-5%$3,750260
Panamera 4 e-Hybrid Executive Plug-in Hybrid2.9L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22-5%$3,750260
Panamera Turbo4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21-9%$3,900420
Panamera Turbo Executive4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21-9%$3,900420
Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive19 / 23 / 21-9%$3,900281
Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid Executive Plug-in Hybrid4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive19 / 23 / 21-9%$3,900281
Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid ST Plug-in Hybrid4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive19 / 23 / 21-9%$3,900281
Panamera Turbo ST4.0L 8-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20-13%$4,100449
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.1 MPG2018 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Porsche Panamera.

Similar 2018 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Porsche Panamera (this car)24 MPGNot rated8
2018 BMW 5 Series30 MPGNot rated0
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class25 MPG★★★★★0
2018 Audi A628 MPG★★★★★2
2018 Lexus LS28 MPGNot rated4
2018 Lincoln Continental21 MPG★★★★★2
2018 Tesla Model S335 miNot rated11

Recalls (8)

Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Anchorage · Jun 26, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V443000 · 37 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Macan S, 2017-2020 Macan, 2017 Panamera Turbo, 2018 and 2020 Macan Turbo and Panamera 4, 2018 Macan Sport Edition, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and 2019 Panamera 4 Sport Turismo vehicles. The screw that attaches the lower seat belt anchor to the seat frame on the outboard rear seats may not have been tightened properly.
Risk
An improperly tightened seat belt anchor can detach during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace and tighten the lower rear outboard seat belt anchor screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA9.
Electrical System · Jan 27, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V033000 · 24,467 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera GTS and Panamera Turbo vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of specific model names and model years. Humidity may enter the external coolant pump for the climate control system and cause an electrical short circuit.
Risk
An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace the external coolant pump and inspect and replace the plug-in connection, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed March 6, 2023. Owners will receive a second notice once remedy becomes available, anticipated July 2023. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is APA1.
Service Brakes · Oct 16, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V735000 · 44,128 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 Panamera 4, Panamera Turbo, Panamera Turbo Executive, 2017-2018 Panamera, Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera 4S, 2018 Panamera Turbo S Hybrid, Panamera 4 Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Hybrid, Panamera 4 Executive, 2019 Cayenne Hybrid, 2019-2020 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2020 Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne S Coupe vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide a visual warning when the brake pads are worn out. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems."
Risk
If the driver is not alerted when brake pads are worn out, the vehicle may not respond as expected when braking, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall is began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB8. Note: This recall supersedes recall 19V115 and includes vehicles that were previously remedied under that campaign.
Electrical System · Mar 6, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V180000 · 182 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc is recalling certain 2018 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4 E- Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, vehicles. Incorrect soldering of a control unit may result in the intermittent failure of various systems, possible affecting vehicle driveability.
Risk
Impaired vehicle driveability can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Porsche Cars North America will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected control units, free of charge. The recall began May 17, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA5.
Service Brakes · Feb 20, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V115000 · 14,110 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2018 Panamera 4 Executive, Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 Hybrid, Panamera 4 Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4 Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Executive, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo and Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Sport Turismo vehicles, 2017-2018 Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo and Panamera 4S Executive vehicles and 2019 Cayenne S and Cayenne vehicles. The instrument cluster may not provide a visual warning when the brake pads are worn out. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems."
Risk
If the driver is not alerted when brake pads are worn out, the driver may lose control of the vehicle while attempting to brake, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began April 19, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA1/AKA0.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Dec 19, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V898000 · 17,667 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Porsche Panamera, Panamera 4, Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo, Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive, 2018 Panamera 4 Executive, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive, Panamera S E-Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, and Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo vehicles. A software failure may result in an intermittent loss of electric power steering assist.
Risk
An intermittent loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the power steering control unit, free of charge. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ13.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 28, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V841000 · 112 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4 Hybrid, Panamera Turbo S Hybrid, Panamera 4 Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4 Hybrid Sport Turismo, and Panamera Turbo S Hybrid Sport Turismo vehicles. The brake lines installed on the front axle may corrode over time. Corrosion inside the line may affect the front braking performance.
Risk
Braking ability that is reduced due to a corroded brake line can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake line, and any damaged brake components, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ11.
Suspension › Rear · Jun 13, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V388000 · 715 vehicles

Problem
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo and Panamera Turbo Executive and 2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive, Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, and Panamera 4S Executive vehicles. The connecting links may detach from the rear-axle anti-roll bar potentially damaging the surrounding suspension parts and affecting the vehicle's handling.
Risk
An unexpected change to the vehicle's handling can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connecting links for the anti-roll bar, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AJ06.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Porsche Panamera is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

12Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
70,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine4
Power Train4
Electrical System3
Air Bags1
Unknown Or Other1
Service Brakes1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Suspension1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
18/01: 121/10: 122/03: 123/05: 124/06: 124/07: 125/01: 125/04: 125/07: 125/11: 125/12: 126/02: 118/0122/0324/0625/0125/0725/12max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Porsche Panamera buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Porsche Panamera. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Panamera years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Panamera21198.8 inNot rated21
2025 Panamera21198.8 inNot rated32
2024 Panamera21198.8 inNot rated22
2023 Panamera22198.8 inNot rated12
2022 Panamera22198.8 inNot rated11
2021 Panamera22198.8 inNot rated42
2020 Panamera23198.8 inNot rated25
2019 Panamera23198.8 inNot rated20
2017 Panamera24198.8 inNot rated61
2016 Panamera25197.6 inNot rated43
2015 Panamera25197.6 inNot rated36
2014 Panamera25197.6 inNot rated314

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →