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Porsche Panamera Diesel

Saloon is supercar maker’s most efficient model. But does this come at expense of performance?

Porsche Panamera diesel

Text: Kyle Fortune / Photos: Pete Gibson

July 2011

The new Panamera Diesel is all about numbers. Unusually for a Porsche, though, they don’t all relate to performance – at least, not against the clock.

The headline figures concern fuel economy, and they’re really quite remarkable. Fitted with the optional low-rolling resistance tyres, this four-door sports car is the company’s most economical model – its 44.8mpg combined fuel consumption figure beats everything else in the range, including Porsche’s hybrids.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Porsche Panamera

 

On standard rubber, the figure drops to 43.5mpg, while CO2 emissions increase from 167g/km to 172g/km. But this is still extremely impressive for a 150mph machine.

Drive sedately, and owners can eke out more than 745 miles from the Panamera’s 80-litre fuel tank. If Porsche adds the option of a 100-litre tank – as insiders suggest it will – the oil-burner’s grand touring will be enhanced further still. You could probably drive from London to Barcelona without having to refill.

Impressive as the car’s ability to sip fuel is, though, the badge dictates that it should cross continents at pace, too. While it trails its fastest relatives, with a 6.8-second 0-62mph time 
and 150mph top speed, on all but the longest traffic-free runs, the Panamera Diesel serves up more than adequate, if not extraordinary, performance.

The Audi-sourced 247bhp 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel is at its strongest in the mid range. This output doesn’t sound that much, but the sizeable 550Nm of torque makes up for it. The eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic slips quickly and imperceptibly between its numerous ratios, while manual control is offered through the gearlever or rocker switches on the steering wheel. Paddleshifters add £283, and it’s worth spending the extra if you like to take control yourself.

You might just want do that. Although the newcomer is billed as Porsche’s most economical model, it’s still a Panamera. This means agility that belies its size.

The amazing ability to carry speed remains one of the four-door’s most impressive facets.

Quick and accurate steering, plus the optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, certainly help – and the Panamera manages to balance fine body control and ride comfort very well.

It doesn’t have the shocking pace of the larger-capacity V8 petrol models, and requires the driver to adopt a different mindset at the wheel.

Although the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel doesn’t gain speed as easily, working the unit isn’t a chore. It’s smooth and revs freely, while extensive acoustic engineering has reduced diesel clatter to a minimum. Standard stop-start ensures it’s silent when you come to a standstill, too.

There’s only the slightest mechanical chatter at low revs – and as you approach the red line – to give away which pump this saloon stops alongside on the filling station forecourt. Otherwise, the diesel badging behind the front wings and the tailpipes are the only visual clues that this isn’t 
a petrol-engined Porsche.

Inside, it’s all familiar Panamera, with a snug feel to the cockpit, quality materials and first-class fit and finish. The instrumentation is all very clear, although the rev counter’s needle obviously doesn’t sweep as far here – it stops at 4,600rpm.

Numbers again. But perhaps the most important figure here concerns sales. Porsche bosses anticipate that the diesel will account for as many as half of all Panameras sold in the UK.

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6 Comments

Struggling to see the point

The new shape A6 3.0TDi Quattro is cheaper, faster and more economical?

The S-Line model comes in at just under 42k with 4wd and I suspect a similar level of kit, does 0-60 in 6.1 secs, 47.9 mpg and only emits 156g/km of CO2.

Its not like a Panamera is going to be driven on a track day so the handling is pretty irrelevant and its not like there is anything wrong with the way the A6 drives.

So if you want an Audi diesel engine buy an Audi?

By JakeBtn on 26 July, 2011, 6:56am

AGREE with JakeBtn

Buy the audi it's cheaper and better.

By johnbmwx6 on 26 July, 2011, 10:03am

Get a Jag

At that price I'd rather have the Jag XJ diesel. Faster, more economical, more rifenided and much better to look at. I like Porsche but I'd never go for this thing. Agree with the others above also. I would have expecyed better. Even the diesel X5 would be quicker to 60 and a far better allrounder

By karl1doon on 28 July, 2011, 12:02am

If you can afford this would you be so parsimonious that you need a diesel. It just does not seem right in a Porsche.

By davidbigland on 28 July, 2011, 12:28am

This is the first Porsche that I've really liked and a diesel makes it bit more realistic alternative to other luxury family cars, but not at 60-100 grand! For less you can get other German cars or a Jag that is more economical and faster, equal quality and image and far less depreciation.

By mpwox11 on 28 July, 2011, 12:31pm

nice car

but 60K worth of car with no timings ..no! i would add 3K and get a fully loaded XFR 5L super charged ... or save 5K and go for the XJ .... Even better wait a year for the cx16 concept to go into production!! all in my opinion much better cars than the panemera for the cash... Panemera is a £40K car with a £20K charge for the badge

By liverpool on 20 September, 2011, 9:52pm

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FIRST OPINION

    Thanks to their staggering pace, petrol V8 versions of the Panamera feel like four-door supercars. The diesel model is more economical, but that doesn’t come at the expense of fun. It’s just a different kind of fun – the pleasure derived from its fine handling and the ability to sail past fuel stations between fill-ups. It could do with more pace, though, and Audi’s 309bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 would be a good fit. 

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £62,134
    Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel
    Power: 247bhp
    Torque: 550Nm
    Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 6.8 seconds
    Economy: 44.8mpg
    CO2: 167g/km
    Equipment: Heated seats, climate control, satellite navigation
    On sale: Now
     
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