Chris Harris video: Panamera Diesel
Is the Panamera Diesel fast enough you asked. Chris Harris finds out once and for all...
To support my statement that the Panamera Diesel was fast enough for my everyday needs, I had no evidence, and people didn’t seem inclined to believe me. I had no intention of ever taking a diesel Porsche to Milbrook to see how fast it is, but this seemed like the only way to glean that information.
For me, the results were pretty surprising. You’ll have to watch the video to find out what they are.
By coincidence, the very same day that I attempt to justify my support for this V6, 250hp diesel, Porsche has announced a 4.2 litre V8 oil-burner for the Cayenne: it boasts static numbers most people would want and expect from a Porsche: 382hp and a crazy 627lb ft, but sadly it won’t fit under the Panamera’s low bonnet-line.
It’ll be a stonking package, but the claimed 34mpg on the combined cycle does seem to support the notion that, using diesel, there is a dramatic drop-off in fuel economy once you reach a certain performance point. My family ran a 535d for four years, it was a very good car, but driven hard, as it tended to be, it would average mid-20s. At which point you might as well have an M5, no? Driven the same way, the Panamera Diesel is knocking on the door of 40mpg. Last week I had 45.6 mpg on a quick cruise back from London.
So the question is: would you sacrifice a quarter of the economy for a load of extra grunt? Right now, I wouldn’t because for my everyday driving, I just wouldn’t see much reward for the extra performance, and getting 650 miles from an 80 litre tank, and still being able to travel very quickly is a pretty compelling set of attributes.
Enjoy the vid.
the only thing i wasn't sure of, was that is it as quick as you'd expect for over £70K? as i said, i'd personally expect 740d speeds (which, incidentally, is quicker and more economical) but as you say, it's certainly quick enough for UK roads. it's just what you'd expect for the price, and a porsche.
Ross.
Problem is, you could say exactly the same thing by saying "it's a barge". £70k is a lot for that.
Of course you like it, they have lent it to you for months and they let you drive their race cars.
To think you once waxed lyrically over your sublime kermit Porsche project...where did it all go wrong?
At that price point, it offers the owner a car that will handle well, seat the family and not need refuelling every other commute.
Given the weight of the car, I think 0-60 in 6.5 and 100 in 15 is mighty impressive.
I'm not friends with Ferrari but as sure as hell I'm not going to fall out with Porsche. The only car anybody needs is a Porsche diesel (because it will do 150+ with an old Audi engine).
Or:
Better a small brown envelope from Porsche than none at all from Ferrari.
Maybe, the above is harsh & incorrect but...
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