The Panamera offers all wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The E63 doesn’t offer all wheel drive.
Both the Panamera and the E63 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.
The Panamera’s corrosion warranty is 6 years and unlimited miles longer than the E63’s (10/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).
J.D. Power and Associates’ 2009 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche second in initial quality. With 11 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 6th.
J.D. Power and Associates’ surveys of the owners of three-year-old cars provide the long-term dependability statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche 9th in reliability, above the industry average. With 34 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 17th.
The Panamera Turbo’s standard 4.8 turbo V8 produces 51 lbs.-ft. more torque (516 vs. 465) than the E63’s 6.2 DOHC V8.
For more instantaneous acceleration and better engine flexibility in any gear, the Panamera’s engines produce their peak torque at lower RPM’s than the E63:
Torque |
|
Panamera S 4.8 DOHC V8 |
3500 RPM |
Panamera Turbo 4.8 turbo V8 |
2250 RPM |
E63 6.2 DOHC V8 |
5200 RPM |
On the EPA test cycle the Panamera S RWD gets better fuel mileage than the E63 (16 city/24 hwy vs. 13 city/20 hwy).
The Panamera S4/Turbo’s standard fuel tank has 5.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the E63 (26.4 vs. 21.1 gallons).
For better stopping power the Panamera Turbo’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the E63:
Panamera Turbo |
E63 |
|
Front Rotors |
15.4 inches |
14.2 inches |
The Panamera offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The E63 doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.
The Panamera stops much shorter than the E63:
Panamera |
E63 |
||
70 to 0 MPH |
158 feet |
168 feet |
Car and Driver |
For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Panamera offers optional 20 inch wheels. The E63’s largest wheels are only 18 inches.
The Panamera offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Mercedes doesn’t offer an active suspension on the E63.
For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Panamera’s wheelbase is 1.8 inches longer than on the E63 (115 inches vs. 113.2 inches).
For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Panamera is 2.6 inches wider in the rear than on the E63.
As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Panamera S is quieter than the E63:
Panamera |
E63 |
|
At idle |
44 dB |
46 dB |
Full-Throttle |
75 dB |
80 dB |
70 MPH Cruising |
69 dB |
70 dB |
The Panamera has .1 inches more front headroom and .6 inches more front legroom than the E63.
For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Panamera’s available rear seats recline. The E63’s rear seats don’t recline.
To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the Panamera’s hatch uses gas strut supported hinges that don’t intrude into the cargo area. The E63’s useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.
© 1991-2016 Advanta-STAR Automotive Research. All rights reserved.
Who We Are
Click here
to view the disclaimers, limitations and notices about EPA fuel mileage, crash tests, coprights, trademarks, and other issues.