2016 Porsche Panamera
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- /S 4dr Hatchback RWD, 4/4s 4dr Hatchback AWD, 4s Executive 4dr Hatchback AWD, Gts 4dr Hatchback AWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.8L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 310–416 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 23 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 197.6–203.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,902–4,409 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2016 large car (21.2 MPG).
- 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.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Porsche Panamera is a large car offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.8L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,902 lb (/S 4dr Hatchback RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 29 highway), 18% better than the 2016 large car average of 21.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Panamera — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Panamera →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Leipzig, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2016 Panamera configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| /S 4dr Hatchback RWD | 197.6 in | 76 in | 55.9 in | 115 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 3,902 lb | 54/46 |
| 4/4s 4dr Hatchback AWD | 197.6 in | 76 in | 55.9 in | 115 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 4,012 lb | 54/46 |
| 4s Executive 4dr Hatchback AWD | 203.5 in | 76 in | 56.3 in | 120.9 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 4,409 lb | 54/46 |
| Gts 4dr Hatchback AWD | 197.6 in | 76 in | 55.5 in | 115 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 4,244 lb | 54/46 |
| S E-Hybrid 4dr Hatchback RWD | 197.6 in | 76 in | 55.9 in | 115 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 4,409 lb | 54/46 |
| Turbo/Turbo S 4dr Hatchback AWD | 197.6 in | 76 in | 55.9 in | 115 in | 65 / 64.2 in | 4,343 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panamera S E-Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +18% | $3,300 | 229 |
| Panamera | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 22 | +4% | $3,750 | 413 |
| Panamera 4 | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -1% | $3,900 | 422 |
| Panamera S | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -1% | $3,900 | 430 |
| Panamera 4S | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -1% | $3,900 | 430 |
| Panamera 4S Executive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -6% | $4,100 | 437 |
| Panamera GTS | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -10% | $4,350 | 480 |
| Panamera Turbo Executive | 4.8L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 488 |
| Panamera Turbo S | 4.8L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 483 |
| Panamera Turbo | 4.8L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 483 |
| Panamera Turbo S Executive | 4.8L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 488 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Porsche Panamera.
Similar 2016 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Porsche Panamera (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 BMW 7 Series | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A6 | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | 315 mi | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (4)
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 30, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V656000 · 222,858 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2020 Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and Cayman S, 2001-2004 Boxster, Boxster S, 2004 Boxster 50 JAHRE SPYDER 550 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of all affected models and model years. The caps that cover the low-beam headlight horizontal adjustment screws are missing, which can allow the headlights to be improperly adjusted. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- Improperly adjusted headlights may not illuminate the road properly, or cause a glare to oncoming drivers, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the headlights for sealing caps and install missing caps as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Porsche's customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is ANB4.
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module · Jul 17, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V533000 · 7,517 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2016-2017 911 and Boxster, 2016 Cayman and Panamera vehicles. The air bag Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have a defective power supply capacitor that can result in air bag deactivation or inadvertent deployment of the air bags.
- Risk
- Deactivated air bags increase the risk of injury. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will install new software and replace the air bag ECU as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 13, 2019. Owners received a second notice and the recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB4.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) · Jun 12, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V446000 · 99,665 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, 2004-2010 Cayenne, 2006 Cayenne Turbo S, 2010-2016 Panamera S, Panamera 4 S, Panamera Turbo, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4, 2012-2013 Panamera Turbo S, 2013-2016 Panamera 4 GTS, 2014-2016 Panamera 4 S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive, Panamera Turbo S G1 II, Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2013 Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, Panamera Platinum Edition, 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition, Panamera Turbo S Executive Luxury Sports vehicles. The bushing that attaches the gear selector lever to the gearbox may degrade over time, causing the bushing to detach. This condition could allow the driver to move the shift lever to Park and remove the ignition key, while the transmission may not be in Park, with no warning message or audible chime.
- Risk
- If the vehicle is exited without the transmission being in Park and without the parking brake being applied, the vehicle may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter cable bushing, free of charge. Owners are instructed to use the parking brake until their vehicle is repaired. The recall began August 9, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKB1.
Electrical System · Apr 24, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V322000 · 33,206 vehicles
- Problem
- Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2010-2016 Panamera 4S and Panamera S, 2011-2016 Panamera, Panamera 4 and Panamera Turbo, 2012-2016 Panamera Turbo S and Panamera S E-Hybrid, 2013-2016 Panamera GTS, 2013 Panamera Platinum Edition and Panamera 4 Platinum Edition, 2014-2016 Panamera 4S Executive, Panamera Turbo Executive and Panamera Turbo S Executive, 2015 Panamera Diesel and 2016 Panamera 4 Edition, Panamera Edition and Panamera Turbo S Exclusive Series vehicles. Water may enter the A/C blower control unit, causing an electrical short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short increases the risk of fire.
- Fix
- Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower control unit, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 10, 2020. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche's number for this recall is AKA7. Note: Porsche recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
Not every 2016 Porsche Panamera is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Porsche Panamera buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Exterior Lighting — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Porsche Panamera. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Panamera years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Panamera | 21 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2025 Panamera | 21 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 2 |
| 2024 Panamera | 21 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 Panamera | 22 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2022 Panamera | 22 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 Panamera | 22 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 2 |
| 2020 Panamera | 23 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2019 Panamera | 23 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2018 Panamera | 24 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 12 |
| 2017 Panamera | 24 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 6 | 1 |
| 2015 Panamera | 25 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 6 |
| 2014 Panamera | 25 | 197.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 14 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Porsche. How we calculate this →