I agree with Tim's comments.  While I am not a Panamera buyer now ( I have kids and went for a Cayenne), I could well be after my kids leave the nest.  There is real appeal for to be able to take friends out to dinner or nice events, which would not be a possibility for a Carrera, and would be more elegant than a Cayenne.  Many of my friends have nice Audi 8s or Lexus or Mercedes or BMW sedans--they want luxury cars but not SUVs or two seater sport cars.  A good friend has a Lexus 600L--a fabulous car, but a bit soft on performance and handling, so I am guessing there is a market (even in these times) for a luxury car that performs.  My two cents..