I never thought I'd say this but I'm thinking of a Panamera
Discussion
If its the Porsche Hybrid tech with the plug in charger that'll give you circa 20 miles on pure electric I wouldn't consider it unless you do a lot of short journeys and can maximise running it on just electricity and/or you line in London. Otherwise your lumping around 300kg of batteries and motors which don't add anything to the driving experience and give you mediocre fuel consumption. And I wouldn't dream of running a Hybrid out of warranty! Christ knows what the parts cost!
Looking at your garage it would be good to know if you are replacing something in there or adding to it. The diesel is a great car for mile munching and even surprisingly good on the B roads. However it is very slow! I think it's one of the best places to be for any journey - much better than my Continental GT - in fact I don't think I have ever been stressed in it even when stuck in hours of traffic!
I keep considering a Panamera 4S but finding a good one with sunroof, sports chrono and PSE is proving a challenge. Oh and I'm mildly scared by the mpg :0)
What will you be using it for?
I keep considering a Panamera 4S but finding a good one with sunroof, sports chrono and PSE is proving a challenge. Oh and I'm mildly scared by the mpg :0)
What will you be using it for?
I've got a late 2012 GTS (so just pre-facelift), which has the uprated version of the 4.8 V8 and most of the turbo kit, including the brakes, hotter cams, PASM, PDCC, etc etc. The GTS has its own switchable sports exhaust system and also a specific suspension set up, meaning it rides lower than other Panameras and has a marginally wider track. As with other GTS models, it gets some nicer interior trim and a lot of black accenting on lights, window frames and exterior skirts.
I've put 20k miles on my car in the two years I have had it and have driven numerous other Panameras over the years and my views are as follows:
- The first diesels only had 250hp, which was uprated to 300hp in something like 2014. I found the 300hp version just about adequate but it had irritating traction issues in the wet.
- The hybrid didn't feel special and sounded very wheezy. As others have said, it would be fine around town on electric power but the engine never felt commensurate with the rest of the car.
- The 'S' of that era is a great car and there are plenty of good value ones around. It never felt like it was lacking power but in contrast to the forced induction engines of the last 3-4 years, it perhaps lacks torque at low revs. The GTS has a slight power hike, so is slightly better in that regard but again, needs revs to get the best out of it (GTS sounds fantastic, almost Maserati-esque).
- The turbo is more or less a GTS with forced induction, so it's slightly more effortless but induction and exhaust noise are sacrificed.
I think the GTS is the drivers choice of the range, even though it can be softened up and quietened down at the press of two buttons (of which there are many in a Panamera!), which is sometimes preferable on long journeys.
Given that you are considering the diesel, I suspect you might be concerned about economy. On long motorway journeys, I get high 20s mpg quite easily and the 100 litre tank gives a realistic range of 450-500 miles. The diesel will be at least 20% better than this but won't be anywhere near as enjoyable.
I've put 20k miles on my car in the two years I have had it and have driven numerous other Panameras over the years and my views are as follows:
- The first diesels only had 250hp, which was uprated to 300hp in something like 2014. I found the 300hp version just about adequate but it had irritating traction issues in the wet.
- The hybrid didn't feel special and sounded very wheezy. As others have said, it would be fine around town on electric power but the engine never felt commensurate with the rest of the car.
- The 'S' of that era is a great car and there are plenty of good value ones around. It never felt like it was lacking power but in contrast to the forced induction engines of the last 3-4 years, it perhaps lacks torque at low revs. The GTS has a slight power hike, so is slightly better in that regard but again, needs revs to get the best out of it (GTS sounds fantastic, almost Maserati-esque).
- The turbo is more or less a GTS with forced induction, so it's slightly more effortless but induction and exhaust noise are sacrificed.
I think the GTS is the drivers choice of the range, even though it can be softened up and quietened down at the press of two buttons (of which there are many in a Panamera!), which is sometimes preferable on long journeys.
Given that you are considering the diesel, I suspect you might be concerned about economy. On long motorway journeys, I get high 20s mpg quite easily and the 100 litre tank gives a realistic range of 450-500 miles. The diesel will be at least 20% better than this but won't be anywhere near as enjoyable.
g7jhp said:
tali1 said:
Surprised to see on Atrader the Hybrid outnumber the Turbo- either it is outselling it, or the Turbos are keepers
Perhaps the Hybrid's were the 'Emperors New Clothes' and people have just realised, they're not all that!"..the fall in price from £88,967 for the old Panamera E-Hybrid to £79,715 for the new. That makes it almost £9000 cheaper than the 22bhp less powerful Panamera 4S"
I thought the same, never thought I would get a Panamera.
Took the 4S out for a day and loved it, so I ordered a TURBO. Arrives shortly, cant wait.
I currently have an RS6 and was struggling to find a car with the same performance and practicality but more comfort. Couldnt wait for the Turismo, but I am sure I will be able to get the dogs in with the back seats down :-)
Took the 4S out for a day and loved it, so I ordered a TURBO. Arrives shortly, cant wait.
I currently have an RS6 and was struggling to find a car with the same performance and practicality but more comfort. Couldnt wait for the Turismo, but I am sure I will be able to get the dogs in with the back seats down :-)
NickyTwoHats said:
Diesel. circa 2011/12
Am I crazy? Should I buy the Hybrid? Or the V8?
All and any advice appreciated
N2H
Hi Nicky Am I crazy? Should I buy the Hybrid? Or the V8?
All and any advice appreciated
N2H
You aren't crazy! I've owned a 2011 Panamera Diesel for 2 years and done 35k miles in that time. My car is now on 90k miles, and i still love it!
OK, so the looks divide opinion and down to personal taste, however i think they are ageing well, possibly as other big exec saloons have followed a similar roof-line shape.
Its got a bit of a split personality. Its a relaxing motorway cruiser, incredibly comfortable on 5-6 hour long trips. It also handles well on the B-roads, front-end grip is excellent, remarkable chuck-able given its huge mass.
Some of said that the Diesel is slow; I guest is all relative. Its certainly no 911, but I wouldn't say its a slouch and I find it quick enough for every day driving. You have to adapt your driving style to suit a turbo diesel and the gearbox, but kickdown is good and overtaking is easy.
I get a combined 42 mpg, getting up to 650 miles to a tank on long runs, and I am not a Sunday driver.
The size can sometimes be a challenge, especially when parking - its wide and long, so you end up looking for end parking bays! The boot isn't as big as it looks - yes it has depth, but height is limited by the roof line so difficult to get suitcases and boxes in.
Running costs have been very reasonable - to date I've only done service items, tyres are lasting 15k miles, brakes discs and pads up soon!
When it comes time to replace I'll probably buy another one. Haven't driven anything I enjoy quite as much (apart from my 997 CSR)
Hope that helps
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