FROM £35,000 If you can afford to buy and run it, the Panamera is an extremely capable luxury hatch
Richard Dredge
FOR some enthusiasts, the only proper Porsche is a coupé with an engine in the back – even better if it’s an air-cooled flat-six. But Porsche moved on from there many years ago, with the mid-engined Boxster, the front-engined (and big-selling) Macan and Cayenne SUVs, plus the Panamera four-seat luxury saloon.
The latter was launched in 2009, and while its exterior design was challenging, the car sold well. The Panamera was such a success that an all-new model went on sale in 2016, with a sleeker exterior, more efficient engines, a much-improved interior and even greater dynamic abilities. The Mk2 was so good that the Mk3, which has just been launched, is in effect a comprehensive update, rather than an all-new model.
History
THE Mk2 Panamera arrived in November 2016. On offer were the 434bhp 2.9 V6 4S, the 542bhp 4.8 V8 Turbo and the 416bhp 4.0 V8 4S Diesel. The 455bhp Panamera 4 E-Hybrid plug-in hybrid joined the range soon after, with a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine.
In the summer of 2018, the Turbo S E-Hybrid arrived, packing a 4.0-litre V8 engine and a monstrous 680bhp. This version was launched alongside the Sport Turismo shooting brake with the same powertrain options, then in December 2018 came the GTS, with a 434bhp 4.8 V8.
A facelift in September 2020 saw the 611bhp Turbo S replace the Turbo, the GTS gain 19bhp, and the 544bhp 4S E-Hybrid join the line-up. The Panamera’s exterior design was refreshed, and Porsche boosted the equipment levels, too.
SERVICING
DON’T even consider buying a Panamera if it doesn’t come with a full service history, preferably courtesy of an official dealer, although a highly regarded independent is also fine.
NEED TO KNOW...
Four-wheel drive All Panameras come with the security of all-wheel drive, apart from the rear-wheel-drive Diesel and 3.0 V6 petrol.
Chassis Air suspension wasn’t standard on entry-level models. Most examples do have it, but n
