Porsche Panamera Turbo



Panamera TurboBrave Move?
Launching a completely new model series (and a premium one at that) in this economic climate is a bold play, and although Porsche sees the Panamera as establishing its own new market segment the reality of stiff competition from the likes of Maserati, Jaguar, Mercedes and BMW is a very real one. However you only have to look at the global success of the Cayenne SUV to see Porsche is more than capable of venturing outside its comfort zone, and with 20,000 units predicted to sell in the car’s first year Porsche firmly believes its fourth model line will not only ensure the company rides out the storm but help return it to former glory too.

So where is the Panamera’s place in the Porsche model range?
In terms of styling it appears to be a mishmash of Cayenne, 911 and just about every other model from the Stuttgart stable. It won’t win any beauty contests but the Panamera certainly has a striking road presence and looks far better in the flesh than the pictures. Its low, wide and long silhouette clearly separates it from its siblings, identifying it as a new albeit clear member of the Porsche family. There’s been real innovation on the inside too. It’s a low-set cabin; the driving position akin to a 911s and features a long Carrera GT inspired transmission tunnel, excellent build quality and a real air of premium refinement expected in this class. It boasts a fearsome set of dynamic credentials too, but the car’s near two-tonne kerb weight and front-mounted engine provides a driving experience that Cayenne drivers will find more familiar than 911 owners. It’s undoubtedly a true four-door, four-seater Gran Turismo though with masses of room both front and rear.

Does it provide a genuine Porsche thrill?
With a low-slung driving position and the Porsche crest mounted on the steering wheel you expect great things- and in many ways the Panamera doesn’t disappoint. Despite the large proportions the Panamera feels surprisingly agile. The steering doesn’t talk to you in the manner a 911s does, however; it does in true Porsche fashion stomp down the road like a proper road-rocket. Performance from the 4.8-litre turbocharged engine is available from a little over tickover and as soon as the turbochargers spool up the driver enjoys a gargantuan wave of torque, which propels the Panamera down the road at shocking pace. The performance has a similar effect to the first time you floor a Cayenne Turbo- shock followed by a giggle as you and your occupants share the same sense of bemusement.

On the Autobahn the Panamera encroaches upon 300km/h with ease, feeling stable and planted at these high velocities. It’ll quite happily sit for miles on end at these speeds too, despatching long journeys with an effortlessness that wasn’t available from the Porsche stable up until now. Left in normal mode the Turbo’s air suspension soaks up the majority of bumps, feeling well damped and cosseting its occupants. Flick through the suspension settings, however, and engage Sports Plus and not only do the aggressiveness of the gear changes alter but the active anti-roll bars all but eliminate body roll. In full on attack mode the Panamera can be hustled down the road at a real lick, and despite being constantly aware of its size the four-seater is nimble, precise and effective in equal measures. The optional PCCB are more than up to the task of reigning in a Panamera on the charge too. It’s a hugely competent car but if you’re after the level of driver involvement that a 911 provides then you’ll want to stick with the flagship.

Have they pulled it off?
Porsche’s maiden foray into the four-door luxury sports saloon market was never going to be an easy one. The Panamera provides the comfort of a luxury GT yet equipped with a PDK ‘box the Turbo can sprint to 62mph from a standstill in four seconds. It’s massively quick, hugely accomplished and engineered to the standard we expect from Porsche. At nearly a £100,000 though the price does pose a small question: will customers value the attraction of the Porsche badge and its sporty dynamics over its cheaper rivals? The Panamera will certainly take a bite out of this luxury sector, just how big a bite we’ll have to wait and see.

Read the full story in the September issue of GT Purely Porsche, on sale 13th of August.

Porsche Panamera Turbo
Engine: 4806cc, V8 twin-turbocharged
Max Power: 500bhp @ 6000rpm
Max Torque: 516lb ft @ 2250rpm(567lb ft with overboost)
Weight: 1970kg
Transmission: seven-speed PDK, four-wheel drive
Max Speed: 188mph
0-62mph: 4.2 seconds
Price as Tested: £95,298


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