Test drive

[dereksharpuk]

Has anyone driven the Panamera far yet?

I had an extended test today. Here are my initial thoughts.

1. It still looks ugly
2. It is fabulous inside with many inovated features. I love the cream leather; wish I could have it on my 911.
3. The stop/go facility, available only with PDK, is rubbish. I have stop/go on my Mini and it is OK. On the PDK Panamera, when the lights go green, there is a very lengthy pause before the engine starts, the PDK engages gear and the car moves.
4. It feels like a big car. This is no 4 seat 911.
5. With luggage in the rear, there is a big reflection in the rear screen.
6. It rides very smoothly on air suspension.
7. The C4S seems quite a bit slower than my 911, despite what Porsche claim the performance is.
8. The adaptive steering is very good .... for a saloon car.
9. The dashboard is cluttered.
10. The handling is quite good, but not up to normal Porsche standards
11. Marks out of 10? As a saloon car 9/10. As a sports car 4/10.

 

[berty987]

Comparing the Panamera to a 911 or as a sports car isn't a fair comparison. Comparing the Panamera to a 7 series BMW or Mercedes S class would be better. I drove the turbo on an extended test drive and was very impressed with the ride and handling for such a large car. Considering it's the same size as a Cayenne it handles very well , the cornering grip is superb and with sport suspension the body roll virtually non existent. I don't beleive this is marketed as a sports car in a saloon body , but as a grand tourer that can carry four adults in comfort. When you drive this car , it belies its true size , you dont feel it's as ungainly or cumbersome as a cayenne , even though its equally as wide and actually longer. Like the cayenne , this car still gives a sporting drive which is what the designers were trying to achieve. The stop / go facility takes some getting used to as does the PDK gearbox. If you drive this car for a few days i'm sure your driving style would adapt to all but eradicate the embarassing delays at junctions when the traffic lights change colour. Admittedly this is a curious car to add to the Porsche model range as it is not a true sports saloon , though does retain the bloodlines of other porsches in terms of performance and equipment. I think this car will appeal to the wealthy that are looking for a prestige or distinctive marque that can be used on a daily basis with excellent reliability and a wide network coverage for servicing etc. Personally I think it does give a sporting drive , though suggest an M5 , RS6 or Maserati would probably give better value for money and more driver entertainment for a 4 door saloon.

 

[daro911]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/porsche-panamera/panamera-vs-rivals-pic-special/244058/pictures/panamera-vs-rivals-pic-special.aspx

In this week's Autocar magazine, Steve Sutcliffe pitted the new Porsche Panamera Turbo against its luxury sports saloon rivals.

It took on the BMW 760Li and Maserati Quattroporte GTS on damp roads in south Wales - and you can see the spectacular photography from the group test by clicking the link below.

See the hi-res pics from the group test

The Panamera was the most alert and responsive, while the Maserati looked "" and sounded "" the real deal. The BMW's real talents lay in its ability to make such a big car feel small and sit flat when pushed hard.

The test left Sutcliffe pondering one big question: "Does the world need a car that can transport four at such high speed in such comfort for so much money?"

For the full story and results, check out this week's copy of Autocar, which is on sale now.

 

[spyderman]

ORIGINAL: daro911
The test left Sutcliffe pondering one big question: "Does the world need a car that can transport four at such high speed in such comfort for so much money?"

Especially as most of the time there will only be one person in them! There's already a growing backlash against Chelsea Tractors - big saloons will (should) surely get the same flack?