Porsche has just launched its first ever four-door saloon in South Africa, and the company claims that despite the new rear bench and an extra set of doors, the Panamera remains true to the marque.
The new luxury saloon is available in three variants - the Panamera S, Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo. The 4,8-litre V8 under the (huge) bonnet of the Panamera S and 4S has a maximum output of 294 kW at 6 500 r/min and torque of 500 N.m at 3 500 r/min. Mated with Porsche's proven seven-speed PKD transmission, the engine in the Panamera S is claimed to be good for a zero to 100 km/h acceleration time of 5,6 seconds, while the 4S has a claimed time of 5,0 seconds. Top speed for the S and 4S are 285 and 282 km/h, respectively. The Panamera Turbo's blown 4,8-litre V8 develops 368 kW at 6 000 r/min and a whopping 700 N.m of torque at 2 250 r/min. Porsche's claimed zero to 100 km/h time for this model is 4,2 seconds, but in the February 2010 road test, CAR was able to better that. In fact, it proved to be our fastest-accelerating road car yet, beating our Audi R8 V10 previous-best time of 3,98 seconds...
As an option on the S and 4S models, but standard on the Turbo, is adaptive air suspension including PASM. This has been done so as to offer a wider range of different driving characteristics and set-ups that range from the "standard" comfort mode to a sporting driving dynamic in SportPlus mode. For optimised ride quality and agility when driving on uneven surfaces, Porsche has made the Panamera available with the option of PDCC Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control. In all cases, PDCC features a fully controlled rear axle differential tht enhances both traction and agility.
The Panamera measures 4,97 metres in length and 1,42 metres in height, and the German manufacturer claims that it offers "generous spaciousness on all four seats". The interior of this vehicle is definitely class-leading in terms of build quality and fixtures, while its centre console that extends all the way through the interior from front to the rear adds a dinstictive touch. Porsche believes that "... the low seat position, finally, gives the driver and passengers that direct feeling for the road so typical of a Porsche". All models in the Panamera range come as standard with sporting comfort seats for the driver and passenger.
Standard features include a CDR-31 audio system in the S and 4S models, while the Panamera Turbo is fitted as standard with PCM including navigation. Other features include voice control through Bluetooth connections, an optional entertainment system for rear-seat occupants that incorporates two consoles integrated in the backrests of the front seats with swivelling seven-inch TFT colour displays with cordless infra-red headsets. A BOSE sound system and Burmester High-End Surround Sytem are available as options for a higher quality of in-car entertainment.
Prices:
Panamera S R1 065 000
Panamera 4S R1 040 000
Panamera Turbo R1 665 000
Prices include a 3 years/90 000 maintenance plan.
For more information on the new Porsche Panamera, read a full road test on the Turbo model in the February 2010 issue of CAR, on sale now.
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