Porsche Panamera

Expert Rating:

What is it?

The Porsche Panamera is the most anticipated new contender in the super saloon marketplace in a long time. While Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar and Maserati have long been providing mega power four-doors, Porsche is new to the marketplace. Given how amazing Porsche's entrance to the SUV arena was with its Cayenne expectations have been high for its new saloon. At launch it'll be offered in S, 4S and Turbo guises, the latter pair of that trio coming with four-wheel drive. Being Porsche it has not entered the performance saloon segment with a conventional car, not least as it's a hatchback rather than a proper saloon and it's strictly a four-seater. Meanwhile, Porsche suggests that its new contender has coupé-like looks. Ah, the looks. We're saying nothing.

Is it any good?

It's difficult to argue against the Panamera's cold statistics. The Porsche Panamera Turbo features a 4.8-litre bi-turbo V8 engine with 493bhp. That's enough to see it sprint to 62mph in just 4.2 seconds - or four seconds dead if you add the Sport Chrono pack, which includes an overboost function on the engine to briefly increase torque by around 10 percent. The normally aspirated S and 4S models make do without the turbos, but power is still ample with 395bhp and 369lb.ft of torque. All that power is enough to see the S reach 62mph in 5.6 seconds and the 4S in five seconds flat; again that figure can be reduced by 0.2 seconds if you tick the box for the optional Sports Chrono package.

The performance numbers were always going to impress though, Porsche never entering a segment without competing with the very best rivals. What's perhaps most impressive are the fuel consumption figures. Porsche has finessed the drivetrain of the Panamera to allow all models to return impressive - when compared to its competition - fuel economy. The Turbo returns 23.2mpg on the official combined cycle and 286g/km of CO₂, the S and 4S bettering that with 26.2mpg/253g/km and 25.5mpg/260g/km respectively. To achieve this Porsche has included a stop-start system, the German firm the first to do so with an automatic transmission.

That gearbox is a seven-speed unit, the 'PDK' twin-clutch system allowing seamless shifts whether in manual or automatic modes. It's best left to its own devices, particularly as Porsche persists with its hopeless push-pull steering wheel mounted switches over the conventional right hand paddle for upshift, left hand for downshifts that all its rivals use. While the PDK's operation will undeniably become second nature with time, Porsche's reluctance to accept the normal means of manual control is inexplicable. Change those gears yourself and the gap between second and third is noticeable, often making gear selection for sharper corners a case of screaming revs or muted throttle response.

The Panamera's chassis responds impressively though and controls the car's size very impressively indeed. Porsche's Active Suspension Management (PASM) gives the Panamera driver the ability to choose comfort over sharpness, though even the softest setting provides near roll-free cornering combined with a cosseting ride - not as pillow-y soft as some of its luxury competitors, but given its incredible ability in the bends that's hardly surprising. The steering is perhaps the Panamera's weakest point, the wheel offering direct response but not delivering much in the way of feel - it's better than most rivals' efforts, but not as loaded with information as we'd expect from Porsche.

A combination of crushing performance, a comfortable and beautifully finished interior and impressive dynamics should mean the Panamera eclipses all comers in its class, but for all its technical competence and incredible ability it's lacking that intangible charisma that marks out the best cars. It's hard to point to one specific area that leaves us cold, but Porsche's aim of providing all things to all people has resulted in a car that doesn't shine in one particular area. It's lacking the brutality of an M5 or the charm of a Jaguar XFR, while the soundtrack can't match the E 63 AMG's. The Panamera wouldn't win a beauty contest alongside a Maserati Quattroporte, either.

Should I call the bank manager?

You might have to, as the Panamera is not exactly the cheapest super saloon on the market. The S starts at £72,226, to which you'll need to add £2,289 for the PDK automatic transmission. It's the sweetest car in the line-up, but figure on spending at least £80,000 to specify it to an acceptable level for both ownership and resale. The 4S starts at just over £77,000, while the Turbo weighs in at a hefty £95,298. Start adding must-haves like the Sport Chrono pack to all and you'll be looking at spending 5-10 percent more on options. The Panamera commands a hefty premium over its rivals, as illustrated by the Jaguars XFR, which boasts 503bhp and a 4.7 second 0-62mph time, yet costs just £59,900.

Summary

The Panamera was always going to bring new levels of performance to the super saloon niche, but for all its incredible ability, economy and comfort the Panamera lacks Porsche's usual must-have feel. Undeniably competent - phenomenally so in fact - the Panamera left us cold at first acquaintance. And in a marketplace where fizzing intensity is the norm the Panamera faces some very tough competition.

Kyle Fortune