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The new second generation Porsche Panamera is now a handsome-looking car that echoes the 911. Inside, it continues to impress with a modern and high-tech interior, with a centre console devoid of buttons. In its place is a touch-sensitive surface and a large touchscreen from which you operate a multitude of functions. However, where it has made the biggest stride forward is in its dynamic behaviour - the Panamera sports a smooth and rev-happy engine, nimble handling and a firm yet forgiving ride. All in all, the Panamera is a deeply impressive and well-rounded package with desperately few faults.
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I'm loving the new look of this car, it looks more like a Porsche now instead of a baby with a big ol' butt.» Read More
The V8 turbo is fast, like really fast. Too bad I can't floor it in Singapore. Definitely gonna take it up to the North-South Highway soon.
The rear seats have slightly less headroom when they are reclined, but they are still just as comfortable as the ones in front.
While we enjoyed the BMW 7 Series and the Bentley Flying Spur during our time with them, the Porsche Panamera was the one car that left us in awe.
This isn't about the badging. This is about top-notch driving abilities at its highest superiority. This is about being able to make what was already a good luxury sedan even better. Hell, you could even argue that this is all about going down to the carmaker's attention to detail in the car.
For starters, the Porsche Panamera is noticeably more futuristic when it comes to its technology. Drivers can now access the infotainment system via a bigger-than-life 12.3-inch touchscreen that has a programmable 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.
Needless to say, the driveability supersedes the technology when it comes to Porsche. 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. Regardless of which variant you go for, it's evident that you have an incredibly wide power band that gives you great pliability when it comes to the car's performance. While the Bentley will wow you with its uber luxurious cabin, it lacks the dynamism compared to the Porsche. And although the 7er has always been class-leading for good reasons, it loses out a tad to the Panamera when it comes to looks and driveability.
This isn't about the badging. This is about top-notch driving abilities at its highest superiority. This is about being able to make what was already a good luxury sedan even better. Hell, you could even argue that this is all about going down to the carmaker's attention to detail in the car.
For starters, the Porsche Panamera is noticeably more futuristic when it comes to its technology. Drivers can now access the infotainment system via a bigger-than-life 12.3-inch touchscreen that has a programmable 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.
Needless to say, the driveability supersedes the technology when it comes to Porsche. 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. Regardless of which variant you go for, it's evident that you have an incredibly wide power band that gives you great pliability when it comes to the car's performance. While the Bentley will wow you with its uber luxurious cabin, it lacks the dynamism compared to the Porsche. And although the 7er has always been class-leading for good reasons, it loses out a tad to the Panamera when it comes to looks and driveability.
