As Porsche ushers in the third generation of the Panamera, it faces a tougher battle for attention, with the versatile Cayenne SUV and the futuristic Taycan drawing interest from potential buyers. At first glance, the new Panamera might appear to be just a mild facelift, but beneath the surface, there’s much more than meets the eye, as Porsche has refined and re-engineered its luxury saloon to keep it competitive in a rapidly changing market.
The third-generation Porsche Panamera grand tourer defies conventions in both style and substance. It merges the luxury of an executive sedan with the heart of a sports car, appealing to discerning buyers who demand performance without sacrificing comfort. As an evolved expression of Porsche’s luxury sedan, the Panamera continues to set new benchmarks in its class, with the near-base Panamera 4 perhaps the most subtle yet engaging example of this most sporty German saloon.
A Statement on Four Wheels
The Panamera makes an immediate impression with its bold, low-slung design. Since its debut in 2009, the model has matured into a more cohesive, refined look. The elongated bodywork, muscular stance, and signature Porsche design elements, like the wide rear light bar, give the Panamera a striking road presence. The sweeping roofline and long bonnet add a sense of drama, ensuring that even as a four-door sedan, the Panamera feels more dynamic than many of its competitors. The design is not just about aesthetics; every curve and line has been sculpted for aerodynamic efficiency, contributing to its performance prowess.
Despite its larger dimensions compared to Porsche’s iconic 911, the Panamera 4 retains an aura of agility and speed. Its dual nature – executive sedan and high-performance machine – is evident in its exterior design, hinting at the car’s capabilities even before stepping inside.
A True Porsche Heart
Beneath the sleek exterior of the Panamera 4 lies a powerful 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which delivers 260 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The Panamera may not be a pure sports car, but even in this configuration, it certainly behaves like one. With the optional Sport Chrono package, the Panamera 4 sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The eight-speed PDK transmission offers seamless gear shifts, enhancing the car’s driving dynamics. Acceleration is swift yet smooth, reminding drivers that this is very much a Porsche at heart.
The all-wheel-drive system ensures the Panamera 4 remains composed on any surface, providing confidence-inspiring grip in wet or slippery conditions. Porsche’s now-standard adaptive air suspension does a stellar job of balancing comfort with handling precision. The system can soften the ride for long highway stretches or firm up to tackle twisty roads. In this way, the Panamera delivers the kind of driving pleasure expected from a Porsche, despite its more executive-focused character.
A High-Tech Sanctuary
Inside the Panamera 4, the focus on luxury is clear. The cabin is a blend of high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology, all tailored to enhance the driving experience. A 12.6” curved digital instrument cluster sits directly in front of the driver, providing a customisable view of performance metrics, navigation, and more. Technology integration is seamless, with controls thoughtfully arranged to ensure drivers can remain engaged with the road without distraction.
The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, accessed via a 12.3” central touchscreen, is intuitive and user-friendly. It offers a suite of infotainment options, ensuring both drivers and passengers are well connected. In a nod to Porsche’s desire for a minimalist aesthetic, the centre console is fitted with touch-sensitive panels, contributing to the cabin’s clean, modern look.
Rear-seat passengers are treated to ample legroom and luxurious appointments, making the Panamera as suited to chauffeured rides as it is to spirited driving. Cargo space is also generous for a car in this segment, adding practicality to its list of attributes. Whether you’re using the Panamera for long-distance business travel or a weekend getaway, it proves as functional as it is fun to drive.
The Executive’s Sports Car
One of the Panamera 4’s standout qualities is its ability to handle like a sports car, despite its size. Porsche’s active suspension management and precision steering combine to create a driving experience that belies the car’s dimensions. The Panamera feels nimble and responsive on fast corners, qualities usually reserved for much smaller vehicles. The steering is direct, offering excellent feedback, while the adaptive suspension adjusts to suit both comfort and performance needs.
Even with its all-wheel-drive system, the Panamera 4 retains a rear-wheel-drive bias, giving it a more traditional sports car feel when pushed. This setup and Porsche’s fine-tuned chassis ensure that the Panamera 4 can provide driving excitement on winding roads, setting it apart from more traditional luxury sedans.
However, such impressive performance does come with a cost. The Panamera 4’s fuel consumption – despite officially tagged at 9.9 l/100 km – is more likely to settle in at the high 12s during everyday use, which may be a drawback for eco-conscious drivers. That said, for those who prioritise performance, the fuel cost is a reasonable trade-off for the car’s capabilities.
LAST WORD
The Porsche Panamera 4 occupies a unique space in the luxury sedan market. It blends the comfort and luxury of an executive saloon with the heart and soul of a sports car, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want the best of both worlds. While competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe offer their own blend of luxury and performance, the Panamera stands out for its ability to merge these qualities without compromising Porsche’s DNA.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © PORSCHE SOUTH AFRICA
