RE: Driven: Porsche Panamera Turbo S

[kambites]

B.J.W said:

kambites said:

That's fine, but that makes the "soul" fundamentally an attribute of you, not of the car.

But the attributes of the car cause me to feel that way?

Yes, but since it's a 100% objective measure, it's quite possible that those same attributes might make someone else think it the most soulful car in the world. You are using "it has no soul" to mean "I don't like it but don't know why". It would have been much more descriptive to just say "I don't like it but I don't know why".

[B.J.W]

kambites said:

B.J.W said:

kambites said:

That's fine, but that makes the "soul" fundamentally an attribute of you, not of the car.

But the attributes of the car cause me to feel that way?

Yes, but since it's a 100% objective measure, it's quite possible that those same attributes might make someone else think it the most soulful car in the world. You are using "it has no soul" to mean "I don't like it but don't know why". It would have been much more descriptive to just say "I don't like it but I don't know why".

But I do know why I don't like it.....

It's because it has no soul

[kambites]

B.J.W said:

But I do know why I don't like it.....

It's because it has no soul

Ahh, I see. So you don't like because you don't like it.

[stefan1]

I took delivery of one of the very first Turbos in the country and have run it now for 2 years. Completed 15,000 miles.

This is definitely a car that grows on you. It is so spectacularly capable at everything. With PASM, PDDC and PDK it can cover the ground on a B or A road at a remarkable pace; with everything set to soft and with its inter-galactic 7th gear, it is the finest cruiser I've owned.

I love the build quality. Sorry, but Mercedes and BMW equivalents are not in the same leauge (but then the Panamera does cost a lot more). The seats are the best I've sat in (bar a nice Recaro bucket!). The Burmester sound system is wondeful and does not get tiring over a long journey (the sure sign of quality).

I do not, however, love the looks. A Rapide or Quattroporte are far nicer. But I don't care since I spend all my time inside the car in a lovely interior.

I realise the cars are very marmite, but I support the review above - it's not until you've driven one that you appreciate just how different, and impressive, they are.

Cheers

[Carnnoisseur]

Frankly I'm not sure why S Classes etc are being quoted as suitable alternatives to the Panamera. Granted, the comfort levels may slightly exceed the Panamera, but that is literally where the comparisons stop. If you are looking at alternatives then, then yes, the AM Rapide, and at a stretch, a cheaper alternative to the Ferarri FF is more accurate.

As someone else mentioned, why would you want to drive around in an S Class and look like a Addison Lee Chauffeur on his day off? IMO, if you are looking for a high performance 2+2, that can carry the family & luggage whilst still retaining a high level of individualism and putting a smile on yours/passenger faces, then this it.

Lastly, having driven the majority of Panamera variations, I can only assume that some of the opinions being quoted are solely based on what's been "read" or "heard", rather than experienced.

And yes, when the Turbo's drop to the circa £70k figure, you can bet on your life that I'll be purchasing.

[LuS1fer]

I saw a black one only yesterday. They look incredibly ungainly and just plain ugly. I think it might be to do with the 911 styling - you EXPECT to see a 911 as they approach though "it's not quite right" and then baulk at what seems to be a fastback limo. Something akin to those stretched Ferraris and Corvettes you see...

[soad]

I think it's growing on me, doesn't look that bad

[franki68]

they are very ugly,I actually find them offensive to the eyes in some colours.However they are incredibly capable,but they are bit like the 997 turbo/nissan gtr in they are very sterile,there is no pleasure to be had in going fast in them.I drove one and was impressed with the way it drove and the interior is superb,but after getting out of it I would never be bothered if I never drove another one.I then drove a e63 amg,maybe not technically as impressive but the fun factor was off the scale.

[renorti]

okay it's a very good car,but so are most £100,000 plus cars.most seem to hate the way it looks,so I can't see any reason why anyone would want one.

[stefan1]

renorti said:

okay it's a very good car,but so are most £100,000 plus cars.most seem to hate the way it looks,so I can't see any reason why anyone would want one.

Easy. If one rates other factors above looks.

[thewheelman]

kambites said:

I've never really understood what people mean when they waffle on about "soul". It's a car, a lump of metal and plastic, of course it doesn't have a soul. It's debatable whether even people do. I sometimes think people just use it to mean they don't like something and feel they should have some kind of argument as to why not.

I made a similar point last week (can't remember which thread), so i agree with you completely.

[RDMcG]

Of course its excellent, but its a hunchbacked fright pig of a car. The Bangle butt can now rest easy, having been well surpassed by this monster.

[thewheelman]

I can't say i hate the Panamera, i'm sure it's a very capable car. Better looking than pictures suggest. If i was in the market for this type of car, i could probably spend a fraction the cost of the Porsche on a used barge & enjoy it just as much. Give it 5 years & these will probably make great value used car buys. Right now, i'd take a 5 year old S8 & play Ronin when i'm on my own.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3015834.htm

[lionrampant]

So I know everyone thinks it looks ungainly, but I still rather like the Panamera. I will confess to being a little disappointed when I saw it in-the-metal last week, but it's still unusual enough to be special.

[Dagnut]

thewheelman said:

I can't say i hate the Panamera, i'm sure it's a very capable car. Better looking than pictures suggest. If i was in the market for this type of car, i could probably spend a fraction the cost of the Porsche on a used barge & enjoy it just as much. Give it 5 years & these will probably make great value used car buys. Right now, i'd take a 5 year old S8 & play Ronin when i'm on my own.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3015834.htm

What about an RS6?

[thewheelman]

Dagnut said:

thewheelman said:

I can't say i hate the Panamera, i'm sure it's a very capable car. Better looking than pictures suggest. If i was in the market for this type of car, i could probably spend a fraction the cost of the Porsche on a used barge & enjoy it just as much. Give it 5 years & these will probably make great value used car buys. Right now, i'd take a 5 year old S8 & play Ronin when i'm on my own.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3015834.htm

What about an RS6?

Oh hell yeah!

[Johnboy Mac]

thewheelman said:

Right now, i'd take a 5 year old S8 & play Ronin when i'm on my own.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3015834.htm

Before you can do that you'd need to disconnect the drive to the front axle!

[Dagnut]

Johnboy Mac said:

Before you can do that you'd need to disconnect the drive to the front axle!

It's being compared to the Turbo s which is also awd

[Johnboy Mac]

Dagnut said:

It's being compared to the Turbo s which is also awd

Oh, what about playing Ronin?

[Dagnut]

Johnboy Mac said:

Oh, what about playing Ronin?

sorry misundersatnding