The Motor Forum

Dr. Hfuhruhurr · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 1:16 pm Post subject: Panamera - test sitting

Didn't get to drive it, unfortunately, but went to the launch event at Porsche Berlin on Saturday. First impression is that it has enormous presence, although that's partly because it is enormous. It does look way better in the metal than in photos, because its proportions are perfect - very long, wide and low, and with a long wheelbase. The only unhappy angle is from the rear, as the tail-lights aren't very well resolved.

The dealer cars were macadamia (very dark metallic brown), dark grey (called carbon grey in Porsche speak), and black. The brown one was a Turbo that was doing demo drives (and sounded superb), while the grey and black ones were both 4S mit PDK, on display upstairs in the showroom.

The interior is very fine. I set the front seat to suit myself, then climbed in the back and had ample head- and legroom, and plenty of space for my feet under the front seat. This is definitely a car that will sell to the chauffeured as well the self-chauffering. The quality of the interior fittings is excellent as well - the centre console is a button fest, but it's all fairly intuitive, and a lot of it is stuff you'd only set once at the start of a journey anyway.

It's not cheap though - the two 4S models in the showroom had price tags of EUR 135k and 145k.

Though the highlight of the visit was as I left - facing mine across the entrance was a new GT3 in black, which I have to admit looked sensational, especially the centre lock wheels. I asked the salesman if I could have a look inside it, only to be told it was a customer car.

TimR · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 1:31 pm Post subject:

Sounds like you liked it Nick.

Old age starting to creep up there is it

The button fest centre console reminds me of the Ferrari 400/412 which is actually no bad thing.
From photos, though, that's the only part of the car I like.

PG · Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:36 am Post subject:

When I first saw the photos I was shocked, but the shape is growing on me and when Top Gear used one in the race against the Royal Mail, I started to like it. It is a genuine four seater GT car it seems, but with a Porsche harder sporting edge. And the shape is quite well resolved to me now with no flame surfacing / tacky add on shyte and so on.

I love the interior (but not in beige thanks). Button fest interiors - excellent