Porsche Panamera

mjt said:
The Panamera is for geriatrics, certainly the ones I've seen have had an old person at the wheel :p
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The performance is good, and it handles pretty well too, according to reports. Certainly far better than any SUV.

I'm going to test drive one soon.
 
Like you, I'm the perfect customer for this car - I have a family, need space and love fast cars, but I just don't like it. However many I see, the looks just don't improve. I saw a white one yesterday in Flims in the Alps and it did nothing for me.

I'm currently wondering whether to buy the next M5 when it comes out later next year or sell both the current M5 and the DB9 and buy a Rapide. The Rapide has less impressive figures than the Panamera and less room, but it looks as good as a DB9, has four seats, an OK boot and the reviews all say that it is magnificent, to drive and fast in the real world.
 
Have you had a look at the brand new XJ?

They are surprisingly spacious for a saloon when compared with an SUV, I'm not sure about Ski's fitting as I've never seen a pair of Skis in my life but the boot is very spacious. They also do the L (Long wheel base) version :)

Depending on which engine (3.0 V6 Diesel, 5.0 V8 or 5.0 Supercharged V8) they're fast with relatively good economy however I would hope your choice would be the SuperSport 5.0 Supercharged V8 :D

It looks stunning, exterior looks classy but risky in my opinion although it does looks slightly plump. In the flesh it is very nice but I have to admit I didn't really like the back... personal preference though hey?

The interior is the best bit... it's like someone has bought a Phantom designed by Sony from Harrods, tech-full of luscious feeling gadget and luxury gizmos!

It does not have AWD which is where it might lose your interest but if this is not a major requirement then I definitely suggest looking at it as an alternative to the Panamera, it is an amazing car :)

Clicky
 
Spie said:
Impressive performance.

However, I've always had a certain view about X5 owners. Wrong, I know. I'm sure many of them are really great people.
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It is your own forum and you pay the bill. Feel free to swear and say what you really think.

I suspect you aren't alone with your views on X5 owners.
 
Spie said:
http://www.autoforspeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/2010-porsche-panamera-1.jpg

Does it look so bad?
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It looks good in that photo, but other angles are not so kind. I saw one on the forecourt of our local OPC and so got a chance to see it 'in the flesh' and it looked good in some views and downright ugly on others. I think it looks like a stretched 911 and is somewhat awkward.
However saying that, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so it doesn't really matter what others think.

Can you fit in it ok, by the way?

Interesting fact - as I work in advertising I've dealt with many major car manufacturers, and they all have a list of 'approved' angles that you're allowed to use for every given model when you do photoshoots.
 
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Critical of the Panamera's appearance at the end but the performance difference is not insignificant.
 
thats half the problem with the rapide.

Its far more expensive than the porsche panamera 4 s, which puts it square up against the turbo. Which just roasts it.

If the purchasing decision was based on looks alone, you'd have the rapide, but on a balanced decision, the paneram would win as it mullers it on performance and price, and isnt that bad to look at.
 
Plus it's a lot more practical being roomier inside. The Rapide is really just a largish 2+2.
 
Mark,

Are you aware they revamped the RR Sport pretty substantially this year? My parents just traded their RR Sports in against the new ones and its a vast improvement. Far nicer interior, more toys, much faster and the suspension is leaps and bounds beyond the old one. Just food for thought.

Otherwise, I've been contemplating a Panamera 4 or Turbo myself and had the chance to drive both at the launch party. I thoroughly suggest you try for yourself but as a package, they're certainly amazing cars.

Looks are very much a subjective thing, personally they've grown on me quite a lot. They are BIG though, much much larger than they look in pictures. The interior is superb, truly a big step up for Porsche, it felt far more like my Dad's Bentley GT Speed than a big 911. As you already stated, the 4 is more than fast enough, however the Turbo does come with a few extra trimmings as standard, as I'm sure you're well aware.

I can go into more detail if you require but I'm sure you'll be able to get to drive one yourself soon anyway :)
 
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