Studies have shown that when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, most women look for reliability, practicality and safety and lean more towards machines that would make the school and shopping run easier to deal with. But as more and more women change jobs and climb higher up the corporate ladder to executive positions, so do their choices in cars change and with it aspects such as style and what their vehicles say about them come into play.
For many years BMW and Mercedes-Benz have provided the staples for this segment of the market with 7 Series and S-Class, respectively. But there are those looking for something in the price range of the lower-priced BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but with the comfort levels of the 7 and S-badged vehicles. Enter the V6 Panamera. Those shopping in the price range of R800 000 for a saloon would rarely think of buying a Porsche – a brand that has, for some time, been exclusive reserve of a certain sector of society. But things are changing.
At a recent ladies event, Porsche AG South Africa made it clear that, with its six-cylinder Panamera models, it hopes to provide executive women with the exclusivity of a Porsche at a not-so-exclusive price. The company claims that this is “the business car for women”.
The Panamera’s exterior styling has always been a hotly debated issue. It’s a case of you either love-it-or-loathe- it. Even so, it is a shape that is distinctly Porsche; with wings that rise above the bonnet, a low roofline and rounded rear-end.
In the road test of the Turbo model earlier this year, CAR praised the interior and described it as “oozing decadence”. As such, the introduction of an “entry-level” model at a more affordable price was bound to raise concerns over quality and packaging. This simply isn’t the case. Even in this “cheaper” iteration, the Panamera’s cabin is still one of the best in the business. Everything is well put together and nothing seems out of place. At first, the various switches along the centre console may appear slightly daunting, but once you get used to it, you realise that everything is easy to operate and actually quite close at hand from the driver’s seat. The seats offer ample support and although the Panamera is a large car, it is easy for someone of my stature to get comfortable behind the wheel.
The Panamera 4 we drove on the launch is powered by a 3,6-litre V6 that develops an impressive 220 kW at 6 200 r/min and 400 N.m of torque at 3 750 r/min. Although the large Porsche may intimidate some with its size, once behind the wheel it feels effortless to handle and maneuver. This engine is mated with a seven-speed PDK transmission that is slick with its changes and sends power to all four wheels in this particular model.
Initially, the Panamera’s dimensions take some getting used to and rearward visibility is hampered somewhat by the narrow rear windscreen (thank goodness for those Park Distance Sensors!). Other than that, the Panamera V6 provides a very stable, fuss-free driving experience that makes it a great cruiser.
Over the course of the day we each clocked an average of 180 km and a total of just under 400 km and covered roads that comprised varying surfaces. Thanks to the supple suspension set up of double wishbone at the front and a multi-arm at the rear, the drive was a comfortable one in its Comfort setting. Things tighten up and become stiffer in Sport and Sport Plus mode for those after a more dynamic drive.
Porsche has fitted its six-cylinder models with a start/stop system that, when the brake pedal is depressed for a length of time, shuts off the engine. Once the pedal is released, the engine comes back to life. This function was barely noticeable when it kicked in. For those who don’t want to make use of it, there is a button to switch it off.
Over all, the Panamera – no matter what you have to say about its looks – is a very capable car and is likely to look impressive parked in the bay of any executive – male or female. It is a vehicle that offers the luxury of something priced at over R1 million, but instead offers it to those wanting to buy into the Porsche family at a lower price. The more palatable price tags beginning at R755 000 for the rear-wheel drive Panamera V6 doesn’t equate to lesser quality. I see no reason why it shouldn’t sell well.