Porsche's Panamera is almost too unique to be directly compared to anything on the market, but several cars come in close on pricing and performance.
The BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class offer more traditional aesthetics and layout, plus a much higher grade of technology, along with similar spectra of performance across their ranges, though both come off more as heavy, high-speed cruisers than nimble full-size sports cars.
Maserati's Quattroporte is closer to the Panamera on feel and responsiveness, and adds the aural beauty of a Ferrari-designed V-8 engine, but suffers in ride quality and interior quality in comparison to the Panamera.
Mercedes-Benz's CLS Class, particularly in AMG trim, may be the closest competitor of the group, though again, ride quality suffers to deliver sharp handling while the sharply sloped rear roofline compromises back-seat headroom.
Aston Martin's Rapide is perhaps even more capable than the Panamera, and more exclusive, but also more expensive.
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 2012 Porsche PanameraBrowse Used Listings |  2012 BMW 7-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mercedes-Benz S ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Maserati QuattroporteBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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Bucking tradition and the ordinary, the 2012 Porsche Panamera mostly succeeds in being an excellent large fastback sedan. |
The 2012 BMW 7-Series is the Bavarian automaker's flagship model, and it cleverly wraps vast interior space, industry-leading tech, and the expected BMW fleet-footedness. |
Still a fashionista at heart, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is cut from a more masculine pattern book these days--especially in powerful AMG trim. |
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a wide range of personalities--all of them superbly comfortably, some of them outrageously powerful. |
The 2012 Maserati Quattroporte is a stylish, well-handling, exclusive choice for a luxury sedan. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $75,200 | $71,000 | $71,300 | $91,850 | $127,250 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 15 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 11 MPG City / 18 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I6 | Gas V8 | Gas/Electric V6 | Gas V8 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Large Car | Large | Compact | Large | Large |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door HB | 4-Door Sedan 740i RWD | 4-Door Sedan CLS 550 RWD | 4-Door Sedan S 400 Hybrid RWD | 4-Door Sedan Quattroporte S |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Hatchback | 4-Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Porsche Panamera vs. 2012 BMW 7-Series | 2012 Porsche Panamera vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class | 2012 Porsche Panamera vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class | 2012 Porsche Panamera vs. 2012 Maserati Quattroporte | |
