Porsche’s new Panamera has to be the ultimate mom’s taxi, writes Peta Lee.
There’s no doubt this will certainly be one of the most glorious cars in the school parking lot.
One of the things I love about a Porsche is its total lack of apology for panache and luxury. There’s also that outstanding performance. And, of course, incredible technology.
But what I also enjoyed about the V6 Panamera 4, the first ever sedan car from this stable, was its driveability – and practicality. Pop four suitcases, or a pair of golfbags, into the spacious boot. Or if you’re a soccer mom, a whole team’s bags.
Unlike its traditional sports cars, the sexy new sedan also makes climbing in and out in a skirt more decorous . . .
At the Nelspruit ladies-only launch, Porsche MD Toby Venter said the challenge for the marque was to produce a car in this competitive segment without previous experience. Fans of the brand have several requirements: performance, sportiness and practicality combined with the unique Porsche DNA. But the engineers also had to factor in space for passengers and a real boot.
Well, the Panamera 4 has the lot. Svelte and sleek, with a classic Porsche face, the car is elegant without being fussy, and makes a statement without being brash. Actually, it’s downright fabulous.
Driven by a low-revving high output 220 kilowatt 3.6 V6 engine, it produces a beefy 400Nm of torque at 3750 rpm. In other words, it goes like the clappers. And even more so at the mere touch of the Sport or Sport Plus button. This firms up the chassis, keeps the car in each gear for longer, and provides a quicker and more responsive performance. It also boasts Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel-drive, with an electronically controlled map-based multiple-plate clutch which distributes drive power between the permanently-driven rear axle and the front axle. Permanently monitoring driving conditions, the system responds instantly to different driving situations and requirements. This significantly improves traction, dynamics and handling.
Another noteworthy feature kicks in when you’re stationary: in other words, stuck in traffic or at a red robot. The engine switches itself off . . . touch the accelerator to pull off again, and it switches back on. Which means you’re producing fewer emissions and saving fuel at the same time. The car handles magnificently. Superbly. Outstandingly. Quiet, powerful, smooth … all of the superlatives apply!
The interior, naturally, is top-of-the-range, and although initially all the buttons and gauges might confuse you, you’ll very quickly work out what’s what.
Incidentally, there’s a rear wing-type spoiler that pops up to increase the aerodynamics – but you can disengage this manually if you want to, just by pressing a button.
Surprisingly, the Panamera’s fuel consumption is just 9.1 litres per 100km. But then body-to-weight ratio, apart from engine size, is what helps determine this, and the car is constructed from a whole lot of lightweight materials, with loads of aluminium and magnesium to reduce weight. Petrolhead moms might want to know you can do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.9 seconds.
Emissions? These sit at the 213g per kilometre mark.
This is definitely my next car: if I can find R750,000!