COSTA MESA, Calif. — NADAguides.com named its first Car of the Month of 2010 on Tuesday, and receiving January's honor was the 2010 Porsche Panamera.

Site officials said they selected the Panamera for several reasons, specifically emphasizing the fact that it's based on a popular unit from the automaker, the 911. In revealing their choice, NADAguides.com mentioned how the Panamera can make a drive on the highway or laps on the track seem effortless.

Another element that caught analysts' eyes were what they described as a "pilot feeling" in all four seats of the Panamera. Besides comfort for the driver and passengers, NADAguides.com also believes the vehicle has ample room for luggage and other cargo thanks to rear seats that can fold down.

Also what makes Porsche so popular — horsepower and performance — also are in plentiful supply with the Panamera, according to the site. Analysts especially liked the Twin-Turbo engine that boasts 500 horsepower at 6,000 rpm as well as the transmission, a new seven-speed Double-Clutch Gearbox.

Finally, what pushed the vehicle to this award to kick off 2010 was the sticker price.

"Starting at $89,000, the Panamera is a deal and allows other large four-door sedan luxury owners to look at Porsche for the first time," site officials contended. "Its sports car DNA will not disappoint."

Michael Caudill, an NADAguides.com auto expert, expanded upon the site's assessment of the latest Car of the Month.

"The Panamera is simply awe-inspiring. Porsche has done an incredible job in designing a car that is so unique, while retaining the look and performance of a pedigreed sports car," Caudill explained.

"The unmistakable, muscular shoulders that flow over the rear wheels, married to the sweep of the coupe-like roofline, and the visible tailpipes with their throaty exhaust notes echo the definable characteristics of a true Porsche," he concluded.