On the road in the Porsche Panamera 4S
Now equipped with a smaller but more powerful V6 than its predecessor, the twin-turbo 2.9-litre newcomer boasts stupendous all-round appeal, thanks to its 434bhp of power, lighter weight, boosted efficiency and, in Sports Chrono guise, a 4.2sec 0-62mph time.
That final stat is deceptive, as somehow the Mk2 Panamera 4S doesn’t feel that fast from behind the wheel. But it is – and with the optional sports exhaust turned up to 11, it definitely sounds the part. The keen power delivery is most un-turbo like and is at its strongest above 3000rpm, provoking regular forays into the upper reaches of the rev range. The swift and seamless changes from the PDK dual-clutch auto box in either auto or manual mode do nothing to discourage such behaviour. Porsche only needs to tweak the inexplicably low rev levels at which manual downchanges are permitted.
No such software fiddling is required for the beautifully judged new 4D-Chassis Control four-wheel drive, though. It grips in virtually all challenging conditions, and works perfectly with the charmed handling to give precise direction changes that belie the Panamera’s size and weight. Optional four-wheel steering aids rear-end stability at speed, and works wonderfully with the well weighted, confidence-inspiring steering afforded by a quicker rack.
The lighter engine over the Panamera Turbo helps give even better body control than that model’s, particularly when aided by adaptive air suspension. The softest mode is supple and comfortable, the firmest tenacious and superbly absorbent.
There’s a new-found sense of occasion inside the cabin, with neater, if slightly fiddly, touch-sensitive central switches, a 12.3in multimedia screen, and a pair of smaller TFT screens ahead of the driver. It’s all very clever, but perhaps not quite as practical as it could be.
With space for a 6ft driver and three equally tall passengers, the new Porsche Panamera 4S is a stunningly engineered, superbly executed rival for the BMW M6 Gran Coupé and Audi RS7. A GT to match the best of the rest.
Porsche Panamera 4S
Price £88,700
Engine V6, 2894cc, twin-turbo, petrol
Power 434bhp at 5650-6000rpm
Torque 406lb ft at 1750-5500rpm
Kerbweight 1945kg
Gearbox 8-spd dual-clutch automatic
0-62mph 4.4sec (4.2sec with Sports Chrono Package
Top speed 179mph
Economy 34.9mpg (combined)
CO2/BIK tax band 184g/km, 33%
Rivals BMW M6 Gran Coupé, Audi RS7
Porsche Panamera 4S
Porsche Panamera 4S
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Forget the hairy-chested and slightly daunting Porsche Panamera Turbo. If you’re looking for a wonderfully exciting and proficient GT car, the latest petrol-powered 4S is more than man enough for the job.