New Porsche Panamera ride review ~ station of gear

Image 1 of 12

23 May, 2016 11:00pm Paul Bailey

We go for a ride in the all-new Porsche Panamera super saloon ahead of its launch later this year

Porsche’s original Panamera was positioned at the sporting end of the luxury four-door saloon market, and now a team of engineers and technicians is busy finalising the next-generation model, ahead of its launch later this year.

We’re in South Africa for a first ride in one of five pre-production Panameras with Dr Gernot Döllner, director model line Panamera. It’s the job of Döllner and his team to ensure that the new car retains its sporty edge, while also improving comfort, space and refinement.

Enabling that is an all-new MSB platform, which allows greater flexibility within the Panamera line-up. All cars will come with a new eight-speed PDK twin-clutch automatic gearbox, driving the rear or all four wheels, with 400bhp or more in the four-wheel-drive version. The range will include a pair of hybrids (one petrol and one diesel), although neither was with us in South Africa.

Image 2 of 12

Image 2 of 12

Instead, the sinister, sticker-covered convoy of Panameras consists of a pair of entry-level V6s, a bi-turbo V6 4S, a V8 diesel and a 4.0-litre Turbo. The engines are all-new, except for the entry-level V6s. The 4.0-litre diesel is shared with Audi’s SQ7, while the Turbo achieves lower emissions despite a boost in power and performance.

That Turbo, says Döllner, can lap the Nurburgring in the same time as Porsche’s old Carrera GT hypercar. That would be in its top specification, with options of carbon ceramic brakes, a 48V electromechanical anti-roll system, rear-wheel steer and an electrically actuated differential.

The Turbo comes with air-suspension as standard, aiding Porsche’s goal of improved comfort without robbing the Panamera of its dynamic ability. Standard steel suspension with steel springs features on all other models, matched to 19, 20 or 21-inch alloy wheels. Even on the largest wheels, the Panamera rides with impressive composure.

Image 4 of 12

Image 4 of 12

The Turbo sounds magnificent, but it’s the new V8 diesel that impresses most. The 4.0-litre engine produces around 435bhp, which, with around 900Nm of torque, makes for huge pace and decent economy. It’ll be a petrol die-hard who chooses the Turbo over the V8 diesel in the UK.

Inside, it’s obvious that Porsche has achieved its goal of delivering more space – the seats are lower to improve headroom, and a longer wheelbase and wider door openings make for a far more spacious interior. The new car also makes a leap forward in instrumentation and infotainment, and catches up with its rivals in near-autonomous driving technology.

As for styling, even when in disguise, it’s clear the new Panamera is a sharper, more elegantly proportioned car, with a familiar front end and more considered rear.

Porsche wants a more rounded Panamera in every sense, without losing its sporting appeal. This early ride suggests that’s exactly what’s been achieved, but we will of course reserve ultimate judgement until we drive the car on European roads. Combine the promise of sharper looks and an arsenal of advanced driving aids, both for performance and comfort, however, and the Panamera should be a tough car to beat in the luxury saloon class.

Model: Porsche Panamera V8 S diesel
Price: £90,000 (est)
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 diesel
Transmission: Eight-speed auto, four-wheel drive

0-62mph: 4.5 seconds
Top speed: 180mph
Economy/C02: 40mpg(est)/180g/km(est)
On sale: Late 2016

Thank you for reading the article about New Porsche Panamera ride review in blog station of gear If this article was helpful please bookmark this page in your web browser by pressing Ctrl + D on your keyboard keys.