Porsche Panamera

The styling might be even more contentious than Porsche’s Cayenne SUV, but the marque’s first five-door car is still popular with critics, who rate it highly for performance, handling and quality.

Interior

The Panamera is a brand new model for Porsche and slips straight in with rivals such as the Aston Martin Rapide and Maserati Quattroporte. Quality is up with the best and both front and back seats are comfortable and spacious. There’s even good luggage space, accessed via a handy hatchback.

Driving

Porsche has worked hard to ensure the Panamera upholds the best Porsche traditions of handling and performance, and judging by reviews, they’ve succeeded. Handling is praised from all quarters and the four-wheel drive in some models gives a secure feeling, but some testers complain that it’s not the smoothest drivetrain. Body control is excellent though and reviewers like the steering too. Ride quality depends very much on wheel size - larger options can be uncomfortable.

Engines

Performance is typically strong, though reviewers are less positive about the base V6 model which doesn’t really offer typical Porsche performance. The diesel isn’t universally popular either, but all reviews admit it’s the most sensible Panamera in the range. V8 and turbocharged models are as quick as you’d expect.

Value for money

Value depends very much on your budget. Diesel models offer 150mph performance next to 43.5mpg running costs, and reviews agree that for most people, the diesel is the engine to go for. It’s more economical than the hybrid and most critics think that the V8 and Turbo models are a little excessive and far too expensive.

Worth Noting

Pick of the range seems to be the Diesel. The hybrid’s price is criticised, most agree the V6 is too slow and with the price of UK petrol and road tax the quicker Panameras make too little sense unless you have bottomless pockets.

Conclusion

f you’re a Porsche fan with a family then the Panamera may be the car for you - but some rivals offer just as much car for less money.