Diesel Porsche Panamera 4S - a shame or a reason for pride?
There is no need to pretend that stereotypes that have persisted for years do not affect us. Extreme, powerful sports cars are considered the prerogative of men. Delving further into popular beliefs, it is easy to say that it is the gentlemen who are also famous for their irresistible desire to have and do the “best” things. The diesel-powered Porsche Panamera 4S isn't just "best" on paper. First of all, it is the most powerful automobile plant equipped with a diesel engine. In addition, it is definitely one of the most interesting and extreme machines available on the market. Diesel marking on the trunk lid - a shame or a reason to be proud of a car like Porsche?
Behind the wheel: you won't even have time to think
In creating the most powerful diesel engine on the market, Porsche has stopped at nothing. In the case of the Panamera 4S, the claimed output is a staggering 422 hp. This result, in turn, translates into a number of other parameters. Including this one, which is of particular importance for this brand: we will see the first hundred on the counter in 4,5 seconds. Of course, there are cars and their drivers who are not impressed by such a result, but in the case of the Panamera, all circumstances create an atmosphere of shock during acceleration. Here again a few figures: 850 Nm of torque in the range from 1000 to 3250 rpm and more than 2 tons of curb weight. On paper it looks like it should be impressive, but the real life driver experience goes even further.
It is clear that when dealing with such a car, we will not be able to use the full power resource every day. Will the Panamera 4S be handled the same way as everyday and more mundane models? This might be a problem. Of course, the driver has the driving force, but even in the most polished and civilized configuration, Porsche reacts somewhat brutally, for example, to touching the gas pedal. A similar impression can be obtained from the operation of the 8-speed gearbox. The automatic works very efficiently with a dynamic swallowing of the next kilometers, no matter what in the urban space, with continuous reductions, it can get lost and characteristically "hold" the car at high speed and too low a gear. The precision and sensitivity of the steering system is a noticeable quality when cornering quickly, but in everyday life it can be appreciated mainly when parking. When driving at an average speed of 35 km/h, overreaction to the slightest movement of the steering wheel can be annoying. However, the suspension with 3 stiffness settings works well in all conditions. It performs its task very quietly, comfortably even on speed bumps or country bumps.
The Panamera 4S is not only heavy and robust. It's also really big, which adds to the feel. Almost two meters wide and more than five meters long, it accelerates to the accompaniment of 8 cylinders, an experience not only for those sitting inside, but also for outside observers.
In the garage: jealous glances guaranteed
We all know cars that are nice to look at. The updated Panamera 4S, perhaps, occupies one of the leading places in the minds of every motorist in such combinations. While his old version was causing serious controversy with his body, the current version is immune to criticism, which is starting to be missed anyway. At first glance, the line of the car has not changed significantly. Perhaps, in the case of the Panamera, it will become a kind of calling card, like with another iconic Porsche model. It is easier to notice the changes only by approaching the car. The most interesting thing is the redesigned rear end. One line of lights and stripes attracts attention, in which capital letters fit perfectly - the name of the brand and model. The front mask, in turn, is the correct symbolic gesture. Despite the dynamic stamping, no one can doubt that he is looking into the eyes of a real Porsche. The side line has a well-known shape - a chrome-plated “tear” stands out here, in which all windows are closed.
In the cockpit: where are all the buttons?!
The former hallmark of the Panamera was precisely the cockpit, stuffed with dozens of buttons that were located in every corner, not to mention the center console. Today we can talk about it in the past tense. It is from behind the wheel of the new Panamera 4S that the progress of Porsche designers is best seen. Fortunately, they avoided the dangerous trap of "extreme to extreme". Finally, the functionality and ergonomics of the cabin do not differ from the quality of its execution. Directly in front of the driver is an element that is hard to miss, mainly due to its size. The powerful steering wheel is a nice reference to the classic large steering wheels of old sports cars. It is functional, although it could be a little more comfortable for everyday needs. The steering wheel itself also has two drawbacks: the wooden rim elements do not even have protrusions for the fingers, which makes it simply too slippery. And when it briefly slips out of the driver's hands, it's very easy, quite by accident, to find the most hidden switch in the car: the steering wheel heating control. This functionality cannot be found in the corners of the Panamera control system. The only option is to use the button inside at the bottom of the steering wheel. The accidental ignition of its heater on a warm spring day gives new meaning to the search for this switch.
However, the mentioned system in the new Panamera is a real masterpiece and second only to the steering wheel, which attracts attention with its size. However, in the case of a huge screen on the center console, this is not a problem, quite the contrary. The displayed information is very readable, and its operation with physical buttons located right under the driver's hand is pleasant and intuitive. The system offers a lot of features, which means that it takes some time to access some of them, but there are prizes. First of all, after finding massage options. And it's not a pleasant vibration during acceleration, but the function of the seats. They, in turn, offer a really wide range of adjustments, which is worth mentioning, because the dashboard casing is so massive that a short driver has to help himself by moving the seat to improve visibility. We also have to remember that the Panamera 4S is actually a liftback that is designed to comfortably accommodate four passengers and luggage. While the latter can fit less than 500 liters in the trunk, which isn't impressive, there's no shortage of space in the second row. An interesting fact in the tested car was autonomous tablets for the rear seat, equipped, among other things, in the options for monitoring driving parameters.
At the gas station: just pride
By driving the new Porsche Panamera 4S diesel engine, we have many attributes that you can be proud of. This car looks great, carries a significant element of the brand's legend, drives with its characteristic sporting characteristics and, not least, has the amazing technical characteristics described above. However, there is another parameter missing, a few more figures that complete the picture of the reasonableness of the choice of diesel in Porsche. The tank, which holds 75 liters of fuel, allowed us to cover a distance of about 850 kilometers during the tests. Such a result should be combined with calm off-road driving, everyday use of the car in the city and, finally, dynamic fun with full use of each of the 422 horsepower. I will leave a simple mathematical problem to all those who consider the choice of Panamera 4S with a diesel engine a disgrace.
