Panamera Reviews: Week at the Wheel - Porsche Panamera S

[Merc1]

Reviews: Week at the Wheel - Porsche Panamera S

The Panamera hasn't been on sale for very long yet it's already a cliché to deride its appearance. As we've said before, it looks better from some angles than others and the paint colour and wheel size play a crucial part in its attractiveness. There's no doubt that it's a striking car though, with the ultra wide and long shape as responsible as the detailing for the stares it tends to draw from passers by.

Porsche purists may not like some aspects of the Panamera's interior either, as it's quite a departure from the beloved 911. Yet it's a significant step forward in terms of quality and design from the Cayenne. It's not perfect by any means, but most of the switchgear is tactile to use and the customisable instrument display is simply fantastic, its highlight being the satnav map output and the intuitive navigation of a memory stick full of MP3s. Admittedly this, and the expanse of buttons on the centre console, take some learning.

In terms of space, the massive exterior translates into pleasantly spacious room for four, with a quartet of six-footers entirely manageable. Sadly they'll need to pack fairly lightly, as the boot isn't huge.

While most of us here at Car Enthusiast would usually go for the manual option if it's available, it's likely that the vast majority of Panamera buyers will choose Porsche's excellent PDK twin-clutch automatic. Its various modes of operation suit the dual personality of this car too, though, as we've said many times before, we're not fans of the operation of the gearchange toggle switches on the steering wheel.

The 4.8-litre V8 is a gem though, offering up plenty of urge throughout the rev range and endowing the Panamera with real excitement. From the very first gratuitous throttle blip at start-up to the deep rumble emitted at low revs this unit changes personality as the speed rises to emanate a howling bass note that'll have owners dropping a gear or two regularly just for the sake of it. The performance figures also speak for themselves.


Full Story: The Car Enthusiast - | Week at the Wheel | Porsche Panamera S |


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[zegerman]

I have to admit, the looks have fully grown on me. It looks atleast very good on every single photo there, even fabulous on most photos.

 

[Mr Robert]

Now that the Pannys are starting to roam the streets of Stockholm, I must say, it looks better and better! Strange thing is, it looks the best when it is surrounded by other cars...

 

[Human]

Now that the Pannys are starting to roam the streets of Stockholm, I must say, it looks better and better! Strange thing is, it looks the best when it is surrounded by other cars...

I found that most exec cars looks better when in the presence of other cars i.e. BMW 7er etc. I just love to look at cars in parking lots and underground parking garages, one spots competitors like the 7er and S-class parked alongside each other, nice to compare!