Porsche Panamera Diesel Review: Six pack

What we like:

Excellent fuel economy

responsive transmission

great for mileage munchers.

What we dislike:

Rather spartan equipment list

obvious tyre noise

rear seats more sporty than comfy.

Refinement is obviously a top priority. Not only is the engine quiet, the transmission remains smooth and responsive when you need it to. And although its redline falls short at 4,600 rpm, it remains strong and willing. Suddenly you wonder why on earth the crowd still wants a petrol-driven luxury sedan.

Its chassis is terrifically able, effortlessly locating the sweet spot between under and oversteer on every sort of corner, it’s myriad stability and traction control systems only faintly detectable even in extreme situations.

To say the Porsche Panamera is an all perfect luxury car is not right; there are still some areas that needs some getting used to and the backseat might not be easily acceptable especially for the set that are all too familiar with an S-Class or 7 Series.

But this diesel variant, with all its promising offerings despite being the new ‘entry-level Panamera’, is too good to give it a miss. Terrifically fast and responsive, handles nothing like a barge and with that inviting glow about the car, offers – for lack of better words – the best value for money.

Mr. X, meet your new car. The accountant will approve too.

Credits: Story and photos by Azfar Hashim