For With ‘just’ a V6 engine, this is the cheapest Panamera to buy. It handles like a much lighter car, is solidly built and well equipped.
Against A manual gearbox doesn’t befit a luxury car, even one as sporting as this. If you want serious performance, you’ll need to find considerably more money for one of the V8 models.
A V8-engined model might be more desirable, but the lower costs of this version make it comfortably more sensible.
The entry point into the Porsche Panamera range is the the V6 petrol version, which comes with sat-nav, a leather interior, parking sensors, alloys and cruise control.
Other versions cost a lot more, but don't have much more kit. The S has a 4.8-litre V8 engine, the 4S adds four-wheel drive and the semi-automatic gearbox, while the GTS adds more power, air suspension and a sports exhaust. The 493bhp Turbo and 542bhp Turbo S are the most expensive - cars in the range, and we wouldn't blame you if you couldn't resist them. However, we think the 3.0 diesel version makes most sense - it's fast, smooth, doesn't cost the earth to run and still drives like a Porsche should.p>
You can add all sorts of exotic extras. There's a button to make the exhaust louder, carbon-ceramic brakes, or a Sports Chrono Package that includes F1-style launch control. Also, Porsche takes all Panamera buyers to the Silverstone racetrack, where instructors show them how to get the best from their car.