Whatever one might think of a four-door sports car, the gamble that is the Porsche Panamera has paid off. Porsche’s re-imagining of a sedan – a dream by company founder Ferdinand Porsche – has been a hit in China, which is now the Panamera’s largest market.
The response has been so good that the German carmaker decided to accommodate the Chinese’s love for roomy cabins with an Executive variant, a car with a 15cm longer wheelbase. There is such ample leg-and headroom that it even resembles a limousine inside. The back seats are individual bucket seats, similar to the ones in front, upping the comfort ante for passengers.
It’s rare to encounter a sports car that’s a luxurious sedan as well. On both counts, Porsche pulls it off very nicely. The Panamera, with its larger proportions, is perfect for those seeking dynamic performance and yet need to pack in the numbers .
Design-wise, Porsche’s DNA is easily discernible in every curve and detail. The Panamera still retains the distinctive 911-inspired nose and tail. Claims that it is the four-door variant of the 911, in fact, would not be out of place. The interior has an upscale feel and you can even pull down the black-coloured blinds over the side windows and rear windscreen to enhance the luxurious ambience. In addition, the leather and Alcantara upholstery give it a very plush feel.
The dashboard is also typical of Porsche. The instrument cluster comprises five circular dials, while the gear lever is flanked by two rows of switches. There are separate air vents and climate controls for rear passengers. Porsche has also ensured that the driver’s seat is designed to adapt to the torso of anyone for maximum driving comfort.
Other notable features include height-adjustable suspension, parking sensors, active cruise control and a retractable sunroof. As with all other Porsches, the Panamera comes with a host of customisation options. The latest variants have reduced fuel consumption compared to the previous ones. For the 4S, it’s less than nine litres per 100km, while, for the GTS, it’s 10.7l per 100km, economical for a car of this size and power.
Legendary soundtrack
To find out how the Panamera stacks up as a luxury sedan, I was handed the 4S and GTS. The latter is a sportier version of the 4S, with a difference of only 20hp between them but a RM100,000 variance in price.
On the way to Cyberjaya via the New Klang Valley Expressway, I had a taste of the handling that the 3.0l V6 bi-turbo engine of the 4S displayed. Even in traffic jams, the car manoeuvres brilliantly with smooth gear changes, thanks to the standard seven-speed automatic PDK gearbox. In sports driving mode, the response is even sharper.
On the road, you can feel the quickness and sharpness of the steering and its strong road grip. The stability is evident even when you turn a fast corner. At medium speeds, the V6 might not be awe-inspiring, but rev it up a little, and you will start feeling excited.
With the naturally-aspirated eight-cylinder engine, however, the Panamera GTS comes alive with the kind of thrills and handling that Porsche is renowned for. Climbing up a road, the machine lets out a sweet-sounding bellow as it thrusts forward when stepping down on the accelerator. Clearly, this is a car you need to expend energy on if you want to experience drama.
Despite its two-tonne weight, the Panamera’s response is precise and very nimble on the road. Comparisons with cars of similar power are superfluous. The Panamera has its own uniqueness — both the GTS and 4S are refined on the road, with power building up from very low revs. The brakes are superbly responsive, while its performance is reassuring even under wet conditions.
On the whole, the Panamera seamlessly blends speed, agility, reliability and comfort. While the 4S is a capable all-rounder, the GTS is the pick of the two – its roar alone is worth its million-ringgit price tag.
