– by Al Duncan –
This is a true gentleman’s express and quite possibly the most powerful four wheeled sedan I have ever driven. Well, I call it a sedan but it isn’t really: it’s actually a super sleek, four-door, four-seat monster.
Curvacious great looks seem to blend the teardrop shape of the original crowd-pleasing 911 with the functionality of a grand touring sedan. The Panamera comes in a variety of trim levels, from V6-powered units to V8’s and the top of the line is the turbo model reviewed here.
Motive power is supplied by a 500-HP twin turbo 4.8 litre direct-injected engine that sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard before: it’s a beautiful combination of guttural V8 rumble and Lear jet at takeoff. All this power would be for naught if it couldn’t be used to propel the Panamera; that’s where the sophisticated all wheel drive system comes in with all its computer-controlled goodness almost guaranteeing traction in all conditions.
Inside the cabin, you feel instantly that you are at home in a place where designers spent a lot of time ensuring the correct ergonomic placement of controls. Comfortable, quiet and superbly finished in the finest materials; it’s a place that feels just right. A place that makes you feel as though you are at one with the machine. Driven in “regular” mode, the Panamera Turbo yields good mileage and with its large fuel tank could easily take you to Oregon before a fill-up is necessary. Driven in “sport plus” mode, it’s a beast waiting to get you your first ticket of 2014; it claws for grip as the sound of waste gates dumping excessive turbo boost fill the cabin.
This is one very, very fast ride and quite possibly the fastest acceleration I have ever experienced. The whole Panamera lineup is exceptional, with something for everyone. The ownership experience continues for years to come with Porsche’s great service and above average resale values. Drive one. You will be hooked – that’s a personal guarantee.
