Porsche Panamera 4S PDK 3.0 (A) First Drive Review
26 Apr 2017|33,915 views
What We Like
Sharp, sleek looks
Premium, high-tech interior
Comfortable and easy-going when you want it to be
Tons of fun to be had when driven hard
Faultless drivetrain
What We Dislike
Price can skyrocket once you start diving into the options list
The original Panamera had highly debatable looks and some may lambast it as a 'fake 911', but it was an incredibly mechanically-accomplished grand tourer (GT) that offered a sublime combination of performance and comfort. The strong sales numbers are testament to its success.
The new Panamera is 34mm longer, 6mm wider and 5mm taller than its predecessor, but it looks sleeker than before thanks to a 20mm reduction of the rear roofline
Additionally, you could nominally credit the Panamera for the push by other carmakers to up their game when it comes to luxury GTs - think about how far models like the S-Class and the 7 Series have come since, especially in the performance department.
Having driven the new Panamera in Taiwan a couple of weeks ago, we were glad to report that the new second generation Panamera is a resounding success, a car that builds on all of its strengths and shores up some of its weaknesses. Here's a closer look at how we arrived at this assessment.
The infotainment system is accessed via a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen that has a programmable tile-based layout
A sharper suit, a plusher suit
The most noticeable change is in the way the Panamera looks - to put it simply, it's good-looking now. The 911 design language is much clearer, with its pronounced shoulders, athletic flanks and a dynamic roofline that is 20mm lower at the rear.
Additionally, you could nominally credit the Panamera for the push by other carmakers to up their game when it comes to luxury GTs - think about how far models like the S-Class and the 7 Series have come since, especially in the performance department.
Having driven the new Panamera in Taiwan a couple of weeks ago, we were glad to report that the new second generation Panamera is a resounding success, a car that builds on all of its strengths and shores up some of its weaknesses. Here's a closer look at how we arrived at this assessment.
A sharper suit, a plusher suit
The most noticeable change is in the way the Panamera looks - to put it simply, it's good-looking now. The 911 design language is much clearer, with its pronounced shoulders, athletic flanks and a dynamic roofline that is 20mm lower at the rear.
What most people will notice is the fact that the fat backside of the old Panamera is no more. The rear end even shares the three-dimensional LED rear lights with integrated four-point brake lights that you see on some of the new 911 models like the Carrera 4, 4S and the various Targas.
Inside, the premium feel instantly hits you. You are swathed in a sleek combination of leather and Alcantara (of course, you could option your Porsche any way you want). It's a serene cabin well-suited for travelling long distances in.
The button-less central console allows you to adjust a whole host of settings using a touch-sensitive surface
The new Panamera is also noticeably more futuristic when it comes to its technology. The digitalisation of the interior begins with the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit, which can display a variety of information on either side of the central tachometer. In the 4S, there's an option to view the power distribution across both axles.
Also, there is now a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Porsche Communication Management system, with a tile-based layout that you can configure to display the information most important to you.
Move downwards from there and you reach a touch-sensitive central control panel, where you control everything from the air-con to your damper settings. Even the louvres on the central air vents are controlled via touch-sensitive sliders, which highlights the extent Porsche has gone to reduce the number of buttons in the cabin.
Inside, the premium feel instantly hits you. You are swathed in a sleek combination of leather and Alcantara (of course, you could option your Porsche any way you want). It's a serene cabin well-suited for travelling long distances in.
The new Panamera is also noticeably more futuristic when it comes to its technology. The digitalisation of the interior begins with the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit, which can display a variety of information on either side of the central tachometer. In the 4S, there's an option to view the power distribution across both axles.
Also, there is now a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Porsche Communication Management system, with a tile-based layout that you can configure to display the information most important to you.
Move downwards from there and you reach a touch-sensitive central control panel, where you control everything from the air-con to your damper settings. Even the louvres on the central air vents are controlled via touch-sensitive sliders, which highlights the extent Porsche has gone to reduce the number of buttons in the cabin.
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And the new technology keeps on coming. You now have LED main head lights with matrix beam including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus. It's an intelligent system that will light up signboards brightly at night, turn on the high beam when necessary and dip it when there's an oncoming vehicle. There's also something called Night Vision Plus, which identifies heat signatures to let you know if there's a person standing there in the dark.
Using Night Vision Plus, the car can identify human heat signatures in the dark so that you don't accidentally run someone over
From silence to violence
It's here that the Panamera really makes its name and its fame - its twin-character of luxurious comfort and dynamic performance. And the new Panamera 4S takes it up a notch.
Driven sensibly, the Panamera is serene and immensely comfortable. The suspension soaks up bumps well, and the new eight-speed PDK gearbox is buttery smooth and absolutely seamless. In normal driving conditions, power is doled out in a measured and sensible way, and never feels overwhelming.
Cruising along in the Panamera 4S is an effortless and serene affair
And when it's power you want, power you'll certainly get. The delivery from the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is excellent, packing 434bhp and 550Nm of torque. And with max torque available from just 1,750rpm to 5,500rpm, you have an incredibly wide power band that gives you great pliability when it comes to the car's performance.
From silence to violence
It's here that the Panamera really makes its name and its fame - its twin-character of luxurious comfort and dynamic performance. And the new Panamera 4S takes it up a notch.
Driven sensibly, the Panamera is serene and immensely comfortable. The suspension soaks up bumps well, and the new eight-speed PDK gearbox is buttery smooth and absolutely seamless. In normal driving conditions, power is doled out in a measured and sensible way, and never feels overwhelming.
And when it's power you want, power you'll certainly get. The delivery from the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is excellent, packing 434bhp and 550Nm of torque. And with max torque available from just 1,750rpm to 5,500rpm, you have an incredibly wide power band that gives you great pliability when it comes to the car's performance.
With the drive mode set to the sportiest setting, the throttle response can be slightly spiky when driving on the highway. This is perhaps best left to the track or roads where you can really push the car harder. And when you do want to push the car hard, there's tons of grip available, thanks to the all-wheel drive system that shuffles power across both axles to give you maximum grip at all times.
The romping 2.9-litre V6 engine, packing 434bhp and 550Nm of torque, is accompanied by a lovely exhaust note
The Panamera is also keen to attack corners, as the steering is sharp and the car keen to turn in. There's a remarkable magic about the Panamera in the way it never drives or feels as long as it actually is. Even on narrow switchbacks in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, the Panamera never feels cumbersome.
A stirring success
The new Panamera 4S is a thoroughly accomplished GT car that is well-suited to meet your every need. It's a car that covers all the bases incredibly well.
In every measurable way, the new Porsche Panamera 4S is a superior sequel
So, as a sequel, there is no doubt that it is a resounding success. Porsche has taken a good thing, and made it a hell of a lot better.
The Panamera is also keen to attack corners, as the steering is sharp and the car keen to turn in. There's a remarkable magic about the Panamera in the way it never drives or feels as long as it actually is. Even on narrow switchbacks in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, the Panamera never feels cumbersome.
A stirring success
The new Panamera 4S is a thoroughly accomplished GT car that is well-suited to meet your every need. It's a car that covers all the bases incredibly well.
So, as a sequel, there is no doubt that it is a resounding success. Porsche has taken a good thing, and made it a hell of a lot better.
What We Like
Sharp, sleek looks
Premium, high-tech interior
Comfortable and easy-going when you want it to be
Tons of fun to be had when driven hard
Faultless drivetrain
What We Dislike
Price can skyrocket once you start diving into the options list
The original Panamera had highly debatable looks and some may lambast it as a 'fake 911', but it was an incredibly mechanically-accomplished grand tourer (GT) that offered a sublime combination of performance and comfort. The strong sales numbers are testament to its success.
Additionally, you could nominally credit the Panamera for the push by other carmakers to up their game when it comes to luxury GTs - think about how far models like the S-Class and the 7 Series have come since, especially in the performance department.
Having driven the new Panamera in Taiwan a couple of weeks ago, we were glad to report that the new second generation Panamera is a resounding success, a car that builds on all of its strengths and shores up some of its weaknesses. Here's a closer look at how we arrived at this assessment.
A sharper suit, a plusher suit
The most noticeable change is in the way the Panamera looks - to put it simply, it's good-looking now. The 911 design language is much clearer, with its pronounced shoulders, athletic flanks and a dynamic roofline that is 20mm lower at the rear.
Additionally, you could nominally credit the Panamera for the push by other carmakers to up their game when it comes to luxury GTs - think about how far models like the S-Class and the 7 Series have come since, especially in the performance department.
Having driven the new Panamera in Taiwan a couple of weeks ago, we were glad to report that the new second generation Panamera is a resounding success, a car that builds on all of its strengths and shores up some of its weaknesses. Here's a closer look at how we arrived at this assessment.
A sharper suit, a plusher suit
The most noticeable change is in the way the Panamera looks - to put it simply, it's good-looking now. The 911 design language is much clearer, with its pronounced shoulders, athletic flanks and a dynamic roofline that is 20mm lower at the rear.
What most people will notice is the fact that the fat backside of the old Panamera is no more. The rear end even shares the three-dimensional LED rear lights with integrated four-point brake lights that you see on some of the new 911 models like the Carrera 4, 4S and the various Targas.
Inside, the premium feel instantly hits you. You are swathed in a sleek combination of leather and Alcantara (of course, you could option your Porsche any way you want). It's a serene cabin well-suited for travelling long distances in.
The new Panamera is also noticeably more futuristic when it comes to its technology. The digitalisation of the interior begins with the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit, which can display a variety of information on either side of the central tachometer. In the 4S, there's an option to view the power distribution across both axles.
Also, there is now a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Porsche Communication Management system, with a tile-based layout that you can configure to display the information most important to you.
Move downwards from there and you reach a touch-sensitive central control panel, where you control everything from the air-con to your damper settings. Even the louvres on the central air vents are controlled via touch-sensitive sliders, which highlights the extent Porsche has gone to reduce the number of buttons in the cabin.
Inside, the premium feel instantly hits you. You are swathed in a sleek combination of leather and Alcantara (of course, you could option your Porsche any way you want). It's a serene cabin well-suited for travelling long distances in.
The new Panamera is also noticeably more futuristic when it comes to its technology. The digitalisation of the interior begins with the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit, which can display a variety of information on either side of the central tachometer. In the 4S, there's an option to view the power distribution across both axles.
Also, there is now a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Porsche Communication Management system, with a tile-based layout that you can configure to display the information most important to you.
Move downwards from there and you reach a touch-sensitive central control panel, where you control everything from the air-con to your damper settings. Even the louvres on the central air vents are controlled via touch-sensitive sliders, which highlights the extent Porsche has gone to reduce the number of buttons in the cabin.
And the new technology keeps on coming. You now have LED main head lights with matrix beam including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus. It's an intelligent system that will light up signboards brightly at night, turn on the high beam when necessary and dip it when there's an oncoming vehicle. There's also something called Night Vision Plus, which identifies heat signatures to let you know if there's a person standing there in the dark.
From silence to violence
It's here that the Panamera really makes its name and its fame - its twin-character of luxurious comfort and dynamic performance. And the new Panamera 4S takes it up a notch.
Driven sensibly, the Panamera is serene and immensely comfortable. The suspension soaks up bumps well, and the new eight-speed PDK gearbox is buttery smooth and absolutely seamless. In normal driving conditions, power is doled out in a measured and sensible way, and never feels overwhelming.
And when it's power you want, power you'll certainly get. The delivery from the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is excellent, packing 434bhp and 550Nm of torque. And with max torque available from just 1,750rpm to 5,500rpm, you have an incredibly wide power band that gives you great pliability when it comes to the car's performance.
From silence to violence
It's here that the Panamera really makes its name and its fame - its twin-character of luxurious comfort and dynamic performance. And the new Panamera 4S takes it up a notch.
Driven sensibly, the Panamera is serene and immensely comfortable. The suspension soaks up bumps well, and the new eight-speed PDK gearbox is buttery smooth and absolutely seamless. In normal driving conditions, power is doled out in a measured and sensible way, and never feels overwhelming.
And when it's power you want, power you'll certainly get. The delivery from the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is excellent, packing 434bhp and 550Nm of torque. And with max torque available from just 1,750rpm to 5,500rpm, you have an incredibly wide power band that gives you great pliability when it comes to the car's performance.
With the drive mode set to the sportiest setting, the throttle response can be slightly spiky when driving on the highway. This is perhaps best left to the track or roads where you can really push the car harder. And when you do want to push the car hard, there's tons of grip available, thanks to the all-wheel drive system that shuffles power across both axles to give you maximum grip at all times.
The Panamera is also keen to attack corners, as the steering is sharp and the car keen to turn in. There's a remarkable magic about the Panamera in the way it never drives or feels as long as it actually is. Even on narrow switchbacks in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, the Panamera never feels cumbersome.
A stirring success
The new Panamera 4S is a thoroughly accomplished GT car that is well-suited to meet your every need. It's a car that covers all the bases incredibly well.
So, as a sequel, there is no doubt that it is a resounding success. Porsche has taken a good thing, and made it a hell of a lot better.
The Panamera is also keen to attack corners, as the steering is sharp and the car keen to turn in. There's a remarkable magic about the Panamera in the way it never drives or feels as long as it actually is. Even on narrow switchbacks in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, the Panamera never feels cumbersome.
A stirring success
The new Panamera 4S is a thoroughly accomplished GT car that is well-suited to meet your every need. It's a car that covers all the bases incredibly well.
So, as a sequel, there is no doubt that it is a resounding success. Porsche has taken a good thing, and made it a hell of a lot better.
Car Information
Porsche Panamera 4S PDK 3.0 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.2km/L
Horsepower
328kW (440 bhp)
Torque
550 Nm
Acceleration
4.4sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
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