Panamera Turbo test drive

[david_yorkshire]

Following on from the launch of the Panamera at Silverstone OPC, I had the pleaseure of borrowing a Turbo Panamera for a couple of hours yesterday.

My intital thoughts from the launch were it's a BIG car, didn't like the interior much, or the in-coherent rear end.

After the drive ?

well it's fast........VERY !

it's also very, very quiet at high speed;

and extremely stable;

All controls are pretty intuitive really - despite it appearing to have more buttons than the space shuttle.

Where it really shocked me was it's handling capabilites, and the ability to cover ground fast over Soth Northants worst roads !

It really does take some realising that there is a large car behind you when you are at the wheel.

The PCCB brakes were faultless, especially from high speed - and no dust !

The car now makes more sense to me, and I could live with the questionable rear end looks. The interior has grown on me - it also feels exceptionally well screwed together.

Rear boot space is adequate - though the dog may think otherwise

Oh, got to mention launch control - hilarious !

0-60 in under 4 secs - all with no drama

Also, with sport plus turned on, you really can get the back end out quite easily ;)

Would I buy one ?

not new, definitely not.

in 3-4 years time....watch this space....

[berty987]

I have a drive scheduled for this weekend. Personally the looks are growing on me. Like yourself I think buying new will be purely for those that can suffer the depreciation on a company balance sheet. Certainly these cars will make excellent used bargains in a few years and have much better credentials in terms of driver involvement than a cayenne ( also better on fuel). I believe a hybrid is also planned but no diesel. I opted for the turbo drive as well. I assume you get the car to yourself and do not have the accompanyment of a salesman ?