PORSCHE PANAMERA 4

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MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS

Mercedes is Mercedes, Porsche is 911

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan — Porsche Panamera

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is arguably the king of sedans. Every manufacturer in the world is aware of the S-Class, and it is precisely because of the S-Class that the equation “sedan = formal luxury car” holds true. Therefore, the design and size of the S-Class are the benchmark for sedans. When other manufacturers try to compete with the S-Class, they are faced with two choices: go for a more conventional approach or propose something unique. The Porsche Panamera is arguably the leading example of a car that has chosen uniqueness.

Aside from the difference in body size, what’s noteworthy is that the S-Class is a sedan that pursues the essence of Mercedes-Benz, while the Panamera is a sedan that pursues the essence of Porsche. Even though it’s a sedan, the Panamera incorporates Porsche-like shapes, as exemplified by the 911, throughout. Both the front and rear incorporate the design of the current 911, but more than that, the form in which the roofline extends to the rear of the body is directly linked to the image of the 911.

The S-Class also has a strong Mercedes feel in the front grille and other areas, but the design has also changed with each generation. Recent models have a design where the rear of the roof smoothly connects to the rear end of the body. The reason for this is likely aerodynamics. The S-Class, which requires stable maneuverability and low fuel consumption even at high speeds, also struggles with aerodynamics. The current S-Class is the result of a compromise between design and aerodynamics.

Incidentally, both cars adhere to the classic sedan style, with the center of the front wheel on the extension of the A-pillar and the rear end of the rear quarter glass located above the center of the rear wheel.

Porsche Panamera 4

Body size = Length 5052mm x Width 1937mm x Height 1423mm

Wheelbase = 2950mm

Vehicle weight = 1920kg

Tire size = 265/45ZR19 (front) / 295/40ZR19 (rear)

Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 500 4MATIC

Body size = Length 5180mm x Width 1930mm x Height 1505mm

Wheelbase = 3105mm

Vehicle weight = 2090kg

Tire size = 255/45R19 (front and rear)

The S-Class is equipped with a high-tech straight-six engine.

Although the engines of both cars have roughly the same displacement, their configurations are very different. The Panamera’s engine is a 2.9-liter V6 twin-turbo, a format that is the mainstream for modern 6-cylinder engines. Furthermore, the Panamera we’re comparing here is the standard grade AWD version, so its power is modest.

On the other hand, the S-Class is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Inline-six engines are said to be quieter and smoother than V6s, making them a good match for the luxury S-Class sedan. Furthermore, it is a high-tech engine that combines a turbo, supercharger, and mild hybrid motor, and its power and torque exceed those of the Panamera.

Porsche Panamera 4

Engine type = V6 DOHC twin turbo

Displacement = 2894cc

Maximum output = 353PS / 5400-6700rpm

Maximum torque = 500Nm / 1900-4800rpm

Transmission = 8-speed AT

Drive system = AWD

Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 500 4MATIC

Engine type = Inline 6-cylinder DOHC Turbo + Supercharger

Displacement = 2996cc

Maximum output = 449PS/5800-6100rpm

Maximum torque = 560Nm/2200-5000rpm

Transmission = 9-speed AT

Drive system = AWD

Why both cars seem reasonable

From the perspective of a top-of-the-line sedan, both cars are reasonably priced. Considering that the 911 series starts at around 17 million yen, the Panamera 4, which can be purchased for around 15 million yen, is a bargain. And considering that the S-Class is the top model, its price of just over 16 million yen seems cheap.

Mercedes-Benz also has the more luxurious Mercedes-Maybach. It may be said that the former S-Class position has been ceded to Maybach. However, the brand power of the S-Class is still top-notch.