The Panamera. . .Wagon

There are two things that are true of automotive journalists: they like station wagons. They like diesels. Which pretty much means that in the U.S. they are a rather limited cohort.

So chances are good that the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, which will be introduced in Geneva next week, will be as evident on American roads as a certain sea creature is in Loch Ness.

According to Michael Mauer, director of Style Porsche, “For Porsche, the Panamera Sport Turismo is a step forwards into a new segment, but retains all of those values and attributes that are characteristic of Porsche.”

Yes, a station wagon.

From the B-pillars back the design of the Panamera sedan is transformed. There is a long window line and long roof countour. Then there is a drop of the roofline toward the back which, with the window line, creates a coupe-like rear end.

But it is still a station wagon.

Yes, there is a spoiler that deploys (three positions, depending on speed).

And yes, it is available with a 550-hp engine. (It is also available, in Europe, with a diesel. Of course.)

In the second row, there is the availability of three seats, a first for a Panamera. Because let’ face it: it is a station wagon. (They also emphasize the cargo capacity—520 liters up to the top of the rear seats—and the widely opening, electrically operated tailgate.)

The vehicle goes on sale in Europe in October. Then other markets after that.

Probably not the U.S. market. Automotive journalists don’t buy many new cars.