Porsche Panamera VS BMW M5
Porsche Panamera
Likes
- One of the best-looking in segment
- Power and performance
- Robust safety features
Dislikes
- Cabin not the most practical
- Ongoing ownership costs
- Pricey options
BMW M5
Likes
- Effortless power
- Dimensions seem to shrink in sports mode
- RWD setting means much fun
Dislikes
- Hefty price hike
- Design, inside and out, could be more adventurous
- Still no phone mirroring
Summary
Porsche Panamera
Australia hasn't had what you'd call a love affair with the Porsche Panamera. Especially compared to the on-going romance with its iconic sibling, the 911 and even its SUV stablemates.Â
The Panamera straddles the fence between high-performance sports car and family sedan and it's a position rivals like the BMW 740i, Maserati Quattroporte and Mercedes-Benz S450 have sometimes found difficult to balance.
This new-generation 'base' Panamera model is on test to see if this sedan's 2025 redesign will launch an arrow from Cupid's bow for Australian families?
Read more about
- Massive $30,000-plus price rise for popular SUV: Porsche Macan prepares for all-electric era as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQC, BMW iX3 and Audi Q6 e-tron
- The V8 lives on! Porsche to continue developing V8 engine from Cayenne Turbo GT as testing for next-gen BMW iX, Audi Q6 e-tron rival kicks off
- Porsche not fazed by global EV slowdown: Hundreds of buyers line-up for new Macan despite not having seen it yet as BMW X3, Audi Q5 rival goes all electric
| Safety rating | — |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.9L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9.2L/100km |
| Seating | 4 seats |
BMW M5
Remember back when people were saying the BMW M5 would lose a little something by shifting from its traditional rear-wheel drive set-up to all-wheel drive?
It would drain a little sparkle, maybe. Or some excitement. It would become more predictable, more placid - hell, even boring.
But hindsight is always 20/20, and we know now that switching to AWD has done nothing but allow BMW to funnel even more power into the tarmac, with the German brand upping power outputs and dropping lap times in one fell swoop.Â
Consider the M5 Competition, then, BMW’s way of delivering the ultimate 'I told you so'. Because it’s not just the most fun, most potent AWD M5 ever - it’s the best M5 period.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 4.4L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 10.6L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Porsche Panamera8.4/10
The Panamera is the ‘have your Porsche and drive it too’ model.
It encompasses the fun of the 911 while still being a comfortable daily driver that can easily fit a family of four. The cabin is sumptuously styled and not hurting for features, either.
Could the ownership costs and storage be better? Probably, but if you’re looking at this model, those items will probably be lower priorities for you.
For my little family of three, the base model Panamera is a win.
BMW M57.8/10
The term bigger is better doesn't often apply to performance cars, but it fits the M5 Competition perfectly. Big inside, but small outside when it matters, BMW's new performance flagship might be expensive, but there's no shortage of bang for those bucks.
Is the bruising BMW M5 your high-performance sedan from heaven or hell? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
Design
Porsche Panamera
This is more than just a new Panamera - it’s a new generation Panamera.
The outgoing model was sort of a mix between the 911 and Macan but didn’t really hit the mark with any of its borrowed elements.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but the redesign sees this model get an outward appearance that looks far more aggressive with a distinct profile that now sets it apart for all of the right reasons.
On the outside, the biggest changes include larger matrix LED headlights and a new front fascia that sits a bit higher with more pronounced curving in the bonnet.
The front gets extra air intakes but there are also larger 'air blade' vents behind the front wheel arches which help smooth the air flow around the wheels and add some extra sculpted sportiness to the car's sides.
The rear has been reshaped to look more like the 911 and isn't as pillowy as the outgoing model. There is a new long LED strip light running the width of the rear and an extra brake light for added dazzlement at night. The rear window now spreads to the width of the liftback lid which makes it appear frameless.
The optioned 21-inch alloy wheels look gorgeous in their painted bronze (or Neodyme) glory and feature the Porsche crest in full colour for added pizzazz. The bronze accent is also carried across to the quad exhausts.
All these factors make the exterior design look more cohesive than the previous model.
The interior has been reworked, too, and the dashboard now sports upgraded tech panels that makes the cabin feel cinematic. The optioned passenger display screen only adds to this effect.
Purists will pout, but like the new 911 the analogue cluster and turn-key operation have died a quiet death. You now get a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and push-button starter. Plus, the gearshift has been repositioned from the centre console to the dash.
The optioned Sports Chrono and Neodyme accent packages of our test model means the dashboard gets a race clock (superfluous for every day driving but fun to look at) and the door handles, steering wheel and dashboard feature the same bronze highlights.
The only elements that don't look the part are the shiny piano black panels mainly found in the centre console. They're too easily scratched/marked for a car at this price point.
The cabin may not be as flashy as its competitors but it's still sumptuous.
BMW M58/10
Let’s start with the new stuff, shall we? The BMW M5 Competition gets a new colour ('Frozen Dark Silver'), as well as new 20-inch (and lightweight) alloy wheel designs, and the grille, aero-designed wing mirrors and boot lip are finished in high-gloss black. The quad exhaust pipes are a black, too, as is the rear diffuser. Elsewhere outside, though, it’s the more muscular 5 Series of old.
Parked next to the much smaller M2, you quickly realise just how much bulk the M5 is carrying. It stretches 4966mm in length and 1903mm in width, and it looks every centimetre of those dimensions in the metal.
Climb inside, and you’re greeted with the familiar BMW interior design, with a huge centre screen, digital driver’s binnacle and a spaceship-level number of buttons surrounding the shift lever. The M5 Competition also arrives with full leather (seats and dash) trim, with carbon-effect dash inserts and aluminium pedal and foot rest trims.
Is it the most adventurous design treatment, inside or out, that we’ve ever seen? Well, no. But it looks polished and premium outside, and feels plenty comfortable inside.
Practicality
Porsche Panamera
The cabin feels spacious in both rows and the rear row can comfortably fit those who are above six foot (182cm) with a caveat.
Despite being optioned with the '4+1' seating, don't be fooled; the middle rear seat is nothing more than extra room for the out-boarders as the rear centre console takes up all legroom a middle seater might need. Not even a kid will be happy in the middle for long.
Amenities in both rows are good. The heating/cooling and massage functions on the front seats are great and the four-zone climate control means everyone can get comfortable.
Access to both rows is surprisingly good with doors that open widely but the rear footwell lip is high and the well narrow. So, if you have clunky boots on you may feel clumsy getting into position.
My seven-year old found the doors heavy to open and it took him a while to realise he didn’t have to slam the doors shut thanks to the soft-close feature.
Individual storage is better than you usually get in a sports car but all cubbies still fall on the shallower side. There are four cupholders, four drink bottle holders, a glove box, a middle console and two small net map pockets. There is also a dedicated phone cubby housing the wireless charging pad.
The boot aperture is wide and it’s super easy to reach things in the back thanks to the liftback lid but that sloping roofline means you lose out on height for larger items.
Stack bigger things right behind the back seat if you want to fit them. Capacity is below average compared to its rivals at 460L.
The rear row has a 40/20/40 split to open up storage options and there is a very deep cubby underneath the floor with the tyre compressor/repair kit.
Device charging options are great with a total of four USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad and three 12-volt sockets to choose from. Â
The upgraded multimedia system looks fantastic and is user-friendly. The built-in satellite navigation is simple to use and the multimedia system, head-up display and instrument cluster can be highly customised.
The base Panamera model now comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connecting to the CarPlay is easy and the connection remains seamless.
The optional passenger display panel allows the front passenger to control their climate and seat comfort, see a duplicate of the instrument panel or just watch a movie on a long trip.
The screen has a privacy filter, which means the driver can’t see what’s on it and is thus not a distraction. However, no one in my family bothered to use it.
BMW M57/10
As far as performance cars go, the M5 Competition is a rolling Swiss Army Knife. For one, it’s bloody massive, which pays considerable dividends for passengers.Â
Up-front, the seats are far enough apart to ensure you’ll be rubbing shoulders with exactly nobody. The centre console Is super wide (all the better for fitting all those buttons), allowing for a sizeable centre storage bin, joined by two cupholders and a second storage bin in front of the shifter which is also home to your USB, power and 'aux-in' connections.
In the back, there’s business-class levels of leg and headroom, and you can even fit another whole adult in the centre seat if you’re so inclined. The pull-down seat divider is home to two extra cupholders, sitting in front of a thick armrest, and the rear air vents get their own temperature controls. There’s an ISOFIX attachment point in each window seat, too. Pop the capacious boot and you’ll find 530 litres of storage space.
Price and features
Porsche Panamera
There are four grades of Panamera on offer for the Australian market and the model on test is the entry-grade sedan, simply titled Panamera.
It feels silly calling a car priced at $236,990, before on-road costs, a 'base' model but here we are.
Our test model has $45,810Â worth of optional extras but compared to its rivals the base price positions it towards the middle of the market with the Maserati Quattroporte GT being the most affordable at $219,000, then the Mercedes-Benz S450 at $241,275 and BMW 740i at $272,900. All prices before on-road costs.
As you’d expect, the standard equipment for the Panamera is long-winded and includes matrix LED headlights, four-point DRLs, ambient lighting, four-zone climate control, a dual sunroof, upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system, a new 12.65-inch digital instrument panel, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and built-in satellite navigation.
Comfort items include 14-way powered front seats with heating/cooling, as well as three-position memory functions. There is also a powered tailgate, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree view camera system and soft-close doors with a 'door brake' function.
The latter means the door holds the position you push it out too, minimising the chance of your kids hitting the neighbouring car, which is an awesome feature in a family car!Â
Other technology includes a total of four USB-C ports, three 12-volt sockets, a wireless charging pad, digital radio, the Porsche app and over-the-air updates.
As for the optioned extras... there is Burmester high-end sound ($11,200), full-grade leather upholstery ($7470), dark bronze accents on the quad exhausts ($6470), 21-inch alloy wheels ($3400), the 'Sport Chrono Package' ($3340), 10.9-inch passenger display screen ($3140), wheels finished in 'Neodyme' bronze ($2500), a massage function on the front seats ($2200), a middle rear seat ($1750), an interior Neodyme accent package ($1190), a heated steering wheel ($1140), an air quality system ($890), an interior black trim package ($760) and comfort pillow accessories ($450). Phew!
BMW M57/10
Parking the M5 Competition on your driveway will require a $229,000 investment. That's not chump change, and a considerable jump over the regular M5, which arrived (in launch-edition guise) wearing a $199,529 price tag.
Outside, that money buys you new and lightweight 20-inch alloys, LED headlights with auto-dipping and active cornering, keyless entry and a four-tipped sports exhaust. Inside, expect a 'full leather' interior (seats, dash and door inserts),a nav-equipped screen which pairs with a 16-speaker stereo (but Apple CarPlay is a cost option) and dual-zone climate control.
Performance wise, M-designed variable dampers, a lightweight carbon-composite roof and a M sports exhaust all join the standard features list. Still, $30,000 is fair jump over the standard (and well equipped) M5. But if money is no object, you'll be buying plenty of fun.Â
Under the bonnet
Porsche Panamera
The base Panamera doesn’t have a hybrid powertrain like its siblings and sports the 2.9L V6 twin-turbo petrol engine of the outgoing model. But it’s been retuned and now produces 260kW and 500Nm – both figures up from the previous model.
The Sport Chrono Package means the 0-100km/h sprint improves from 5.1-seconds to a tummy-sucking 4.8-seconds and my son gave a whoop of delight whenever we had to get up to speed.
The Panamera has an eight-speed, dual-clutch auto transmission and is the only RWD for the Panamera line-up. It also sports a top speed of 272km/h. So, suffice it to say, the engine has the sports cred you expect from a Porsche.
BMW M59/10
Yes, our all-electric future feels inevitable. And yes, there’s much fun and performance to be had from battery-powered EVs. But you can’t help but hope that future is a Star Wars style far, far away when you get acquainted with the BMW M5 Competition’s monstrous twin-turbo V8.
It’s good for a wondrous 460kW (up 19kW on the regular M5) and 750Nm. Both of which are big numbers, which are fed to all four wheels via an eight-speed 'M Steptronic' automatic. Happily, you can, at the push of some buttons, make the M5 a rear-driver again. It’s slower, but damn if it ain’t much more fun.
As a result, the performance numbers need to be seen (or better yet; felt) to be believed. The near-two-tonne M5 Competition will blaze from 0-100km/h in 3.3secs, 0-200km/h in 10.8secs, and push on to a limited top speed of 250km/h (or 305km/h, provided you do some BMW driver training).
Efficiency
Porsche Panamera
The official combined (urban/extra-urban) fuel-cycle consumption figure is 9.5L/100km, which is pretty low for a high-performance vehicle (and a big one at that) but after a lot of open road and urban driving my real-world usage came out at 10.9L/100km.
That's the result after not being skimpy with using the power, either, so it's not as thirsty as you might expect.
When it comes to times between fills, the Panamera might surprise you. Based on the official combined fuel cycle and large 90L fuel tank, expect a theoretical driving range of up to 947km (825km using our on-test figure) – which is a great driving range for a performance vehicle, let alone a family one.
The Porsche Panamera only drinks the best, so while the driving range is great you won't be able to fill 'er up with anything but premium 98 RON unleaded petrol.
BMW M57/10
Well, BMW tells us you’ll return 10.7-10.8 litres per hundred kilometres on the combined cycle. But we would suggest that’s unlikely, unless you have Miss Daisy lounging in the back seat. Drive it like you definitely will drive it, and you can expect to pay for that privilege at the pump.Â
Emissions are a claimed 243-246g/km of CO2, and the M5 Competition’s 68-litre tank will demand a premium unleaded petrol.
Driving
Porsche Panamera
Some people might not understand the obsession or loyalty Porsche owners have towards their cars but if you’re a fence sitter, get in the Panamera. It will make you understand because after driving one... you'll hear yourself say 'I get it'.
The base model has the goods with the engine outputs to ensure the driving experience remains fun and responsive.
The Panamera is no wild bronco, it's a cool customer. The composure for power delivery is unlike other performance sedans you may have driven. Acceleration is effortless without any twitchiness. You never feel out of control.
The air suspension means you hear the bumps more than you feel them but you still get excellent road feedback as a driver.
Passenger comfort is high, despite the cabin being quite loud with road and engine noise, because the seat and ride comfort remains well-cushioned. Fatigue and jostling are at a minimum.
The handling of the Panamera when it comes to cornering and steering feels dynamic and agile. I made a point of doing multiple mini roadies this week, simply for the joy of driving it.
While the Panamera is the most fun on a winding mountain road, it's a pleasant open-road cruiser as well.
The base Panamera has three driving modes - 'Normal', 'Sport' or 'Sport Plus' with a 20-second power booster available when you need extra oomph.
The Normal mode is sufficient for daily driving and the Sport Plus offers stiffer suspension and handling but the preference is to keep it in Sport mode.
Mainly because in this mode you get an awesome throatiness from the exhaust as well as the dynamics you expect from a sports car.
It’s a bit deceptive but the Panamera is massive and sits at 5052mm long and 2165mm wide - so, it definitely fills out a parking space!
However, the 360-degree view camera system is one of the best in the segment but you may still get choosy with where you park it.
BMW M59/10
Things this large simply shouldn’t be this potent. Like John Goodman suddenly toppling Usain Bolt at the Olympics, the BMW M5 Competition is bulk-defyingly good at the fast stuff.
The secret is its ability to hide those sprawling dimensions on a race circuit or twisting road. BMW’s engineers have poured plenty of work into stiffening the chassis of the M5 Competition, from new anti-roll mounts to additional under-bonnet bracing, to make the brand’s biggest performance sedan feel more lithe and responsive when pushed.Â
And while its size never vanishes completely - and you find yourself praying you don’t encounter oncoming traffic on skinnier roads - engaging the Competition’s sportiest settings unlocks a Copperfield-level vanishing act.
The engine helps too, of course, pushing the M5 along with staggering ease, even when you’re pottering at suburban speeds. But really flatten your foot and the big V8 will force you to reassess your knowledge of physics. It’s really very fast, the Competition, the power flowing uninterrupted to the tyres, the engine still very willing to deliver more oomph long after your courage has jumped ship.Â
The steering, direct though it is, lacks some natural feel, but you are always left with the impression that the Competition is going to go where you point it.
More fun stuff? Well, you can switch the traction control to a half-off setting, allowing for some smoking, drifting heroics before it drags you back into line. BMW calls it M mode, and it’s designed to make a hero of even the most ham-fisted of pilots, myself included. The braver still can deactivate traction control all together which, combined with rear-wheel-drive mode, turns the M5 Competition into the biggest and possibly most expensive drift car of all time .
Away from the track, though, the Competition version of the M5 is almost as good as transforming into a comfortable everyday commuter as its less hairy siblings. The adaptive suspension can be softened, and the steering lightened, to make toppling traffic a doddle.Â
The keen-eyed among you might well have noticed we’re yet to touch on any major downsides of the drive experience. And you'd be correct.Â
Safety
Porsche Panamera
No Porsche is rated with ANCAP and the Panamera is no exception but the base model still has an extensive safety list that includes 10 airbags, which is more than some people movers!
The standard safety kit includes AEB, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, driver attention alert, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, tyre pressure monitoring, an active bonnet and a side impact protection system.
There's also rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, lane keeping aid, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, park assist, an engine immobiliser and an alarm system with radar-based interior surveillance.
The base Panamera misses out on traffic sign recognition and rear collision warning, though.
The rear row has two ISOFIX mounts and three top tethers but only two seats will be able to fit across the row.
BMW M58/10
BMW is yet to confirm full specifications for the M5 Competition, but you can expect the safety offering to largely mirror that of the regular M5. And while the performance variant has not been crash tested, the regular 5 Series was awarded the maximum five-star safety rating.
Expect dual front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a knee bag for the driver, and a parking camera. You'll also find AEB, active cruise (which allows for brief spells of autonomy), thanks to its lane-keep assist.Â
Ownership
Porsche Panamera
Porsche offers the Panamera with a three-year/unlimited km warranty, which is less than its competitors. It's more typical to see a five-year/unlimited km warranty in this segment.
Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12-months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first and pricing varies per dealership.
The one I contacted (in Sydney) confirmed the first four years of servicing costs $8605 for an average of $2151.25 per workshop visit.
Worth noting the fourth year is a biggie at $4875, this major service including everything from an air-conditioning clean and transmission oil change to spark plug check/replacement and safety checks.
The Panamera is up there for service costs, even for the class but this kind of outlay comes with the territory when you're considering a car worth almost $300K.Â
BMW M57/10
The ownership package is yet to be confirmed, the M5 Competition will be covered by BMW’s three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.Â
Service intervals are condition, rather than time or distance, based, so the car will tell you when servicing is required.