The new Porsche Panamera couples a “fun-to-drive attitude with a four-door body and a premium cabin to create a more balanced option for those who need space for kids and cargo”, say Drew Dorian and Scott Oldham on Car and Driver. Trading high-speed shenanigans for a household-friendly roadster was a choice that even the most diehard petrolhead would have to face eventually; but no longer. The Panamera is as suave as you’d expect from the brand but also has rear seats so you can share the thrills with all the family.
Hair-raising performance
There are more than 24 models in the range, from the more economic and eco-friendly E-Hybrid model to the rip-roaring 4S. “In terms of outright speed, the car surpasses most benchmarks set by like-for-like grand tourers and can be considered alongside the quickest super-saloons you might buy for the thick end of £100,000,” says Autocar. The 4S will shoot from rest to 62mph in a hair-raising 4.3 seconds, and tops out at 180mph. But it’s not a handful to drive. “Unflappable grip and poise rule every Panamera,” says Martin Padgett for Car Connection. Spending extra on a rear-end steering system will make the car even more manoeuvrable at low speeds too.
As you’d expect from Porsche, the Panamera is also pleasing to look at. “Among the competition, the Panamera looks more exotic and retains its sporty identity,” says Nathan Dyer for Car HP. With a sharp front-end adorned by characteristic Porsche LED headlamps, and the sides lavished with aerodynamic grooves and eye-catching alloy wheels, the Panamera really is a beauty to behold.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Artful interiors
The interior is just as artful. “The whole cabin is almost wrapped in leather, including the three-spoke steering wheel that feels premium to hold,” and a central control panel is designed to give tactical feedback when scrolling through options. The dash holds “a beautifully placed 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which is a delight to use”, equipped with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and comes with the option to be linked to a rear-seat entertainment rig, alongside Bose and Burmester sound systems. The plush seats are highly adaptable and heated and can be fitted with ventilation and massage functions too. Expect to pay from £88,196 to £131,152, with the particularly speedy 4S coming in at £98,095.
-
December 2023 NS&I Premium Bond winners - check now to see what you’ve wonIf you hold money in NS&I Premium Bonds, you can check from today (2 December) to see if you have won in the December prize draw. Here’s how to check.
-
OpenAI – corporate drama unleashed
OpenAI, the firm behind ChatGPT, was in uproar as its boss was booted out, briefly snapped up by Microsoft and then brought back again.
-
Calilo – sustainable luxury on a Greek island: MoneyWeek Travel
MoneyWeek Travel Rupert Hargreaves visits Calilo, a resort on the Greek island of Ios, where sustainability and luxury live in harmony
-
England’s sparkling wine industry has potential for early investors
Global warming has changed the game for England’s sparkling wine industry – even growers in Champagne are planting in England. Brave investors might like to join the party early.
-
Hotel Indigo Durham review: a delightful stay in Durham – MoneyWeek travel
MoneyWeek Travel During a stay at the Hotel Indigo Durham sees Matthew Partridge revisit his old student stomping grounds.
-
The Brando, a Polynesian paradise – MoneyWeek travel
MoneyWeek Travel Sustainability meets the last word in luxury on Marlon Brando's island in French Polynesia, says Chris Carter
-
The 10 cheapest countries to travel to
Features Looking to get away but want to keep costs low? Check out these 10 holiday destinations which remain cheap despite rising inflation.
-
A South African adventure
Reviews From buzzy Johannesburg to big game drives, South Africa has it all, says Katie Monk
-
Villa Gaia Rock: perfect harmony in Corfu
Reviews Blend in with your surroundings at the new Villa Gaia Rock in Corfu.
-
Indulge your wild side with a safari in deepest Kent
Reviews Get up close to the animals at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, says Matthew Partridge
