The big 4-door has been snapping up headlines left and right in its most powerful guise: the Panamera Turbo. With 500 horsepower and a zero-to-60 mph time that clicks by in a mere four seconds, there’s little guessing as to why, but lower down on the option list, buyers might be more prone to pick up one of the company’s two V6 models.

Traditionally, Porsche has tended to favor a flat engine design, but for the front-engine layout of the Panamera, the company opted for a V6. In the base Panamera and Panamera 4 trim, the 3.6-liter engine produces 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, all channeled to the rear wheels via a fiendishly smooth 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Despite having a full 200 horsepower less than the top-of-the-line model, the base Panamera still manages to get itself up to 60 mph in a plenty-quick six seconds, which makes us wonder if the big, twin-turbocharged V8 is worth the money.

After spending a little time in the base Panamera, we have to say we’re not sure. The Panamera Turbo is priced at $132,600, while the base car comes in at a less faint-inducing $74,400. For that price, you still get the world’s most beautiful interior and room for three friends.

Stay tuned later in the week as we take a look at the all-new Porsche Cayenne V6.