What We Like
Sleek design
Impeccable powertrain
Sweet-sounding
Precise steering
Superb handling
High-quality cabin
High comfort levels
What We Dislike
Hard to decide if driving it or being driven is better
Fire the chauffeur. That was the tag line of a popular 1980s Porsche commercial and what its actor, who just got the keys to his new 928 S4, asked his butler to do.
But here's a new Porsche that's designed for the well-heeled who'd rather be driven. A bit of an irony isn't it? It's kind of like paying for a Michelin-star meal only to have someone else enjoy it instead.
That, at least, is what I thought before having a go in this - the new Porsche Panamera Executive, a long-wheelbase version of the already biggish Panamera.
The Porsche Panamera Executive is a long-wheelbase version that's been lengthened by 150mmIt's been lengthened by 150mm between its axles, giving it 3,100mm of stretching room - more than what the king of the segment, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, boasts.
The Executive is available exclusively with four-wheel drive and with a choice of four engines. The one you see here is the entry-level turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 model, which itself is already well-armed with 326bhp and 450Nm of torque.
Even with 1,935kg to haul around, it will go smash the century sprint in 5.7 seconds.
The Executive's honest and precise steering is a joy on spirited drives, and induces a little hooliganismMeasuring 5,199mm x 1,937mm x 1,428mm (L x W x H), the Panamera Executive is not exactly compact. But it is the most nimble and agile luxobarge out there.
For such a wide, long and large limousine, it's exceedingly involving.
The car's 911-like steering is well-weighted and razor-sharp, its ride is near-flawless even in its sportiest settings and the aural delivery of its V6 powerplant is note-perfect.
But here's a new Porsche that's designed for the well-heeled who'd rather be driven. A bit of an irony isn't it? It's kind of like paying for a Michelin-star meal only to have someone else enjoy it instead.
That, at least, is what I thought before having a go in this - the new Porsche Panamera Executive, a long-wheelbase version of the already biggish Panamera.
The Executive is available exclusively with four-wheel drive and with a choice of four engines. The one you see here is the entry-level turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 model, which itself is already well-armed with 326bhp and 450Nm of torque.
Even with 1,935kg to haul around, it will go smash the century sprint in 5.7 seconds.
For such a wide, long and large limousine, it's exceedingly involving.
The car's 911-like steering is well-weighted and razor-sharp, its ride is near-flawless even in its sportiest settings and the aural delivery of its V6 powerplant is note-perfect.
Along with an incredibly linear and responsive powertrain and the immense grip from its four-wheel drive system, the Executive proves to be a true Porsche with an abundance of panache.
Having to double up as both driver and passenger during our test drive, I was initially reluctant to hop in the back while my colleague took over the wheel.
If there's anything better than manhandling this luxobarge, it's enjoying the high levels of opulance offered in the rearI, however, stood corrected within five minutes of being there.
There is an excess of legroom for the average-sized Asian adult while the plush hugging seats provide a very cosy experience. More importantly, the optional massage programme is so good it could leave the weary in a state of trance.
At the same time, the high-definition infotainment screens mounted on the back of the front seats, as well as the impeccable fit and finish of the entire cabin are entirely befitting of first-class travel.
When your chauffeur is unavailable, grab the keys and enjoy what the rest of the car has in store along some quiet twisties'Hire the chauffeur', is what the experience left me thinking, although his off days and sick leaves wouldn't be a bad thing at all.
I'd simply grab the keys and head off for a good drive and a nice cup of coffee. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Well, the king is dead, long live the king, I say.
Having to double up as both driver and passenger during our test drive, I was initially reluctant to hop in the back while my colleague took over the wheel.
There is an excess of legroom for the average-sized Asian adult while the plush hugging seats provide a very cosy experience. More importantly, the optional massage programme is so good it could leave the weary in a state of trance.
At the same time, the high-definition infotainment screens mounted on the back of the front seats, as well as the impeccable fit and finish of the entire cabin are entirely befitting of first-class travel.
I'd simply grab the keys and head off for a good drive and a nice cup of coffee. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Well, the king is dead, long live the king, I say.
