Panamera? - Page 2 - Porsche General - PistonHeads UK

Been considering one of these. What are the views? Can see the below which is 45 mins from me, may be worth a look? http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/918/Paname...

Had one last week for 2 days as a loaner (diesel). If I needed a 4 seat car I'd have one in a heartbeat - loved it.

I was lent one whilst the 991 was in for a bit of work, it was absolutely fantastic, I was really impressed by the drive. Certainly not a looker and not much boot space but I'd consider one

I regularly get one as a loaner - they're great cars and the updated 300bhp diesel is by far the best diesel I've driven. Over several days of pretty spirited driving on highland roads, I averaged 48 mpg - stunning. Only downsides are the looks and the fact that it's a really big bugger - longer and wider than my X5. Handling is excellent too. I see that the 911v car is the earlier 250bhp engine - drive that and try the later 300bhp version and see what you think - I thought it a significant improvement. Edited by Technomad on Wednesday 29th April 19:40

It's a great car to drive considering it weighs 2 tons. Extremely comfortable too. I would happily have one to pootle accross Europe but the diesel is underpowered for something that wears a Porsche badge. I need a turbo S at some point in my life.

I had a loan one for two weeks and took it back - tooooo big for normal town driving My neighbour had one also as a loan car and had major trouble in multi storey car parks as its just too big Great for motorway driving though I am sure

£47'000 is good but a more in depth look could shed £7K off that price have you looked at Porsche approved used? The Panamera is much loved by top gear and my neighbour who traded one in for a 14 plate C220 Merc lol

Just gave a loaner back (300bhp diesel) and loved it. Very stable and fast up to low hundreds (probably) quiet and amazingly nimble. My 130k jaag xjr felt like a barge this morning in comparison. No idea about price or value or of that 250bhp one but this new one I had was five star brilliant.

I'm biased, clearly, as I'm on my second Panamera. It is big (externally) - no doubt - but you do get used to it - I no longer fear multi story car parks ! The boot space isn't massive, but it is deceptive - we've not really found it lacking in general we've been away for long weekends (4 up, 2 off being 18YO girls...so imagine the luggage required) dog in boot, all other clobber in the roof box, no problem. What still amazes me is the combination of genuinely sporty handling, ballistic speed, everyday practicality, and a genuiniely nice place to be in our s tty traffic & roads. I don't drive as much these days (train takes the strain....not), so when I do I like to be able to enjoy it, over many different types of use. I've tracked the car - it was genuinely laugh out loud how shockingly good it was - the guy in the Mosler tried keeping up.... I've Vmax'd it - and shamed quite a few unsuspecting cars (think LFA, 991 GT3, Ferrari California etc) And on a normal run still does mid 20's to the gallon. And I've now lost count of the number of people that have approached me to talk about the car and how much they like it - just members of general public...more than when I had the GT3 ! Maybe swap it for a 918... Edited by red997 on Thursday 30th April 09:16

always liked the Panamera and will look into them when I come to replace my M5 what interests me is the GTS model which the press seem to have down as a significant notch above the rest of the range in terms of fun/feedback etc. Has anyone tried the GTS or own one ?

I must be in the minority, as I borrowed one when my 911 went in for warranty work and really didn't like it. It was a 250hp diesel, and it was slow and uneconomical. In my normal mix of driving it was around 27mpg. I get 23 from my 911. Traction also seemed to be an issue with only 250hp. I guess that's why the powerful petrols are 4wd. It was roomy and comfortable, but in a road driving, it only seemed to come alive at very illegal speeds. It had appalling tyre scrub on the front wheels. In a 911 you get it with cold tyres at >75% lock, but in the panny, anything more than 25% lock, the tyres scrub, and it annoyed the crap out of me. The other major downside is you cant park it anywhere. Its not so much the length, but its about 6" too wide. If you park it in a standard parking spot, you cant get out of it and anyone parked next to you will likely dent your doors trying to get in theirs. I drive a long wheelbase XJ regularly, and its length is an issue with parking, but not its width. The XJ to me is faster, rides better and handles just as well and is significantly more economical but sinful to look at. Used they're a bargain Its a real shame, as with my kids growing, I really wanted to like it, as I love the way it looks (again in the minority) but I found the whole experience disappointing.

Bought Panamera Turbo last November as my daily. Have to say i love the car - great for family use when just got 3 of the kids with me - loads of space and its discreet enough that when at work its not ' in your face' Very underrated car i feel, which i'm sure is down to its marmite looks. i'm a marmite lover!!

I own both 2015 S-E Hybrid and a 991 C2S PDK. I have to say that the Panamera is a amazing car, ok its no 911 but the only thing that comes close to it is a 640d GC. Red997's comments are more or less spot on.

red997 said: I'm biased, clearly, as I'm on my second Panamera. It is big (externally) - no doubt - but you do get used to it - I no longer fear multi story car parks ! The boot space isn't massive, but it is deceptive - we've not really found it lacking in general we've been away for long weekends (4 up, 2 off being 18YO girls...so imagine the luggage required) dog in boot, all other clobber in the roof box, no problem. What still amazes me is the combination of genuinely sporty handling, ballistic speed, everyday practicality, and a genuiniely nice place to be in our s tty traffic & roads. I don't drive as much these days (train takes the strain....not), so when I do I like to be able to enjoy it, over many different types of use. I've tracked the car - it was genuinely laugh out loud how shockingly good it was - the guy in the Mosler tried keeping up.... I've Vmax'd it - and shamed quite a few unsuspecting cars (think LFA, 991 GT3, Ferrari California etc) And on a normal run still does mid 20's to the gallon. And I've now lost count of the number of people that have approached me to talk about the car and how much they like it - just members of general public...more than when I had the GT3 ! Maybe swap it for a 918... which engine do you have?

Turbo slightly tweaked...

Had a couple of loaners and really liked them, but came away wondering why you would have one over the Cayenne. Prefer the lofty driving position of the Cayenne, and you get more for your money. The Panamera is a good drive, for a big a car, but it still ain't a sports car and i have a 911 to do that job. Fair enough if it's your only car though.

exactly that; When I had a GT3 , I had a Cayenne turbo as well ! only one Pork now, so the Panamera sits nicely (and don't need the Cayenne to to a race car anymore)

jackal said: always liked the Panamera and will look into them when I come to replace my M5 what interests me is the GTS model which the press seem to have down as a significant notch above the rest of the range in terms of fun/feedback etc. Has anyone tried the GTS or own one ? Hi Jackal, I've just put a deposit down on a second hand Porsche AUC GTS and had the test drive a couple of weeks ago. I'm coming out of an E63 bi turbo so like you, I was considering going from what is really a heavily tweaked but mass produced German saloon to something more premium feeling and exclusive in its base form (relatively speaking). After having enjoyed a couple of years of the previous naturally aspirated AMG engine (6.2 litre) I never gelled with the bi-turbo due to the poor throttle response. Also, the crappy diff and huge torque didn't make it that enjoyable to drive in wet conditions. I didn't try the Panamera turbo because I'm slightly bored of the torque fest and I want an engine I can rev out more frequently. This is where the GTS comes in. Not only is the engine a delight, it rides better than my E63, which is meant to be the best riding - not handling - out of the M5, XFR-S, RS6 group. It is far less grunty than the cars I've just mentioned but I expected that and the overall feel of the car mitigated that for me. The GTS was surprisingly civilised when the suspension settings were softened and the exhaust muted and felt pretty lively when they were all turned up. Over the last couple of years, I've come to the conclusion that 500bhp+ RWD saloon cars are too much of an academic exercise for me. Whilst my E63 makes a great noise and feels quite special to drive at lower speeds, I want something I can exploit a bit more on the open road. Hopefully the GTS will do that for me. It's also a far nicer cabin in which to sit.

Drove my friends one on Sunday and what a beautiful place to sit. Parking my Chimaera next to it made mine look like a matchbox car,truly is a very big car and the comment about multistory car parks I can fully comprehend (Although I didn't go in one) My friends was purchased new 14 months ago it's the 3.6 petrol with the 4wd system with 8k now covered and pretty sure it was the 7 speed PDK auto box. When he was looking at buying I couldn't resist in pointing him to the video of TG racing around the office blocks against the Maserati and the Aston and JC's complete dislike of the looks. James May taking a completely different approach and the right one in my opinion after driving his on Sunday. His answer was "do you really think what JC says is going to deter me buying what I like?" Good answer! But I said it's not just his view that it's pig ugly it really does come across as a marmite looking car to the masses. He then said "well I like marmite" I could never win a debate with my very good mate. Well my opinions like others have changed,even before driving it just having a good look around it my views were changing. I have seen a few out and about on the roads but this was now a good chance to really have a good look,not sure if it's standard but even stationary the rear spoiler was deployed and from the rear it sat there looking pretty dam good. The cabin is just a WOW factor finished in cream leather with lots of black/silver trim and what a lot of buttons (Not sure if they are all needed) The exterior is black and the black/cream just looked really very nice,keys passed over and away we went.. Very very nice indeed. Of course jumping out of a Chimaera the first thing I noticed was just how quiet it was and a completely different driving experience of a TVR that you really can not compare. Driving it on a mix of A/B roads + duel carriage way it really was lovely and was surprised that it took no time at all to adjust to the size of the car. One thing I did notice was that the view out of the back window was really quite poor but that may of been because of the spoiler. I didn't drive it hard,not encouraged to or felt the need too but the pick up was smooth and responsive and to me seemed deadly quiet compared to my car. EDITED Not sure why I put Sunday twice... It was Saturday The day he picked it up Edited by TVRJAS on Wednesday 6th May 15:40

Hi My first post. I test drove a 13 reg Diesel Panamera at a Main Dealer a couple of weeks ago. I was very impressed and would be trading in a CLS Shooting Brake. I was on the verge of popping in and doing a deal, but having read reviews etc. i'm now wondering if the 250bhp is a good model to buy, or should I try to get a 300bhp? I had my eye on a few, and over the last week i've seen up to £3,000 come off the price of the 250bhp models at various dealers. As for comfort and performance, if I didn't know any difference id be content with the 250, however am I missing a trick by not going for a 14 plate 300 model? Although it would have to be very competitively priced.

cormor1 said: Hi My first post. I test drove a 13 reg Diesel Panamera at a Main Dealer a couple of weeks ago. I was very impressed and would be trading in a CLS Shooting Brake. I was on the verge of popping in and doing a deal, but having read reviews etc. i'm now wondering if the 250bhp is a good model to buy, or should I try to get a 300bhp? I had my eye on a few, and over the last week i've seen up to £3,000 come off the price of the 250bhp models at various dealers. As for comfort and performance, if I didn't know any difference id be content with the 250, however am I missing a trick by not going for a 14 plate 300 model? Although it would have to be very competitively priced. Definitely pay up for the 300... its a very deserving engine for the chassis... mid to high 30s on the motorway and 13s to 100mph, although it never actually feels that quick. Its such a big car though and frankly not roomy enough in the rear for its size... but as a spirited drive its chassis is well beyond 5/6 series or e/cls capabilities.

Gave mine a quick clean today - have to say absolutely love this car!! First time loading a picture so not sure what the below will look like!

pac man said: Gave mine a quick clean today - have to say absolutely love this car!! First time loading a picture so not sure what the below will look like! Pukka pork!! [like]

cormor1 said: Hi My first post. I test drove a 13 reg Diesel Panamera at a Main Dealer a couple of weeks ago. I was very impressed and would be trading in a CLS Shooting Brake. I was on the verge of popping in and doing a deal, but having read reviews etc. i'm now wondering if the 250bhp is a good model to buy, or should I try to get a 300bhp? I had my eye on a few, and over the last week i've seen up to £3,000 come off the price of the 250bhp models at various dealers. As for comfort and performance, if I didn't know any difference id be content with the 250, however am I missing a trick by not going for a 14 plate 300 model? Although it would have to be very competitively priced. Just a thought but could one not simply 'chip' the cheaper 250 to a more satisfactory output? :-@

Fl0pp3r said: cormor1 said: Hi My first post. I test drove a 13 reg Diesel Panamera at a Main Dealer a couple of weeks ago. I was very impressed and would be trading in a CLS Shooting Brake. I was on the verge of popping in and doing a deal, but having read reviews etc. i'm now wondering if the 250bhp is a good model to buy, or should I try to get a 300bhp? I had my eye on a few, and over the last week i've seen up to £3,000 come off the price of the 250bhp models at various dealers. As for comfort and performance, if I didn't know any difference id be content with the 250, however am I missing a trick by not going for a 14 plate 300 model? Although it would have to be very competitively priced. Just a thought but could one not simply 'chip' the cheaper 250 to a more satisfactory output? :-@ Chip is a crude word, but they can be easily remapped for 300+, but go to the likes of DMS for a proper remap not some cheap ebay box of tricks that just fools the fuelling.

Agree RE DMS - mine was done by them - the Vbox results speak for themselves - 0-150 mph in 19 Secs

My father in law bought the 250bhp diesel and really did not like it. He changed it after 7days of ownership and lost quite a few quid on it too. He replaced it with a Bentley Flying Spur Speed which is much better but will most likely lose him more money

DUMBO100 said: My father in law bought the 250bhp diesel and really did not like it. He changed it after 7days of ownership and lost quite a few quid on it too. He replaced it with a Bentley Flying Spur Speed which is much better but will most likely lose him more money Sounds like he just bought the wrong car for his preference there rather than the Pan being poor, he swapped for something completely different there.

indeed - Pana diesel to Flying spur ? why didn't he buy an R8... nearly the same... got 4 wheels...

Any ownership experience of both the 250 and 300bhp models? I’ve tried checking online but most info points to it being the same engine with a remap and upped boost. The headlights do look better on the 2014 on models