2012 Porsche Panamera vs. Its Competition

Nelson Ireson Senior Editor

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.