Porsche Panamera V6

A big part of the Panamera’s appeal to date has been the storming performance of its V8s – especially the Turbo – and the ability of the chassis to cope. The V6 feels merely adequate by comparison and, arguably, less engaging than a Porsche should be. There are more rewarding four-door performance cars for the money – although perhaps none which can match the Panamera’s economy and low emissions. And the cabin is still beautifully designed and finished, spacious and a great place to be.

Say hello to the cheapest Panamera so far! This is the Panamera V6, which drops the range’s starting price from the V8’s £72,266 to £61,461. With the better-equipped and much faster 500bhp Jaguar XFR costing only a few pounds more, does the newcomer add up?

Bosses are bullish. They reckon half of all Panameras sold from now on will have the 296bhp 3.6-litre V6. Owners will have something to brag about on the eco front, too: when using the optional seven-speed PDK double-clutch transmission, the rear-drive car returns combined economy of 30.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 218g/km.

PDK is fitted as standard on the four-wheel-drive Panamera 4, but the heavier underpinnings drop economy by 1mpg and push the CO2 figure to 225g/km. Even so, this is still impressive for a large, 160mph saloon which can hit 0-62mph in just under six seconds. Porsche hasn’t skimped on the options, either. Our car had 20-inch wheels, air- suspension, adaptive dampers, active anti-roll bars and carbon ceramic brakes. The firm is clearly keen to avoid giving the impression that the V6 is the poor relation of the range – merely the one with the smallest engine.

There are further advantages in addition to economy. The V6 is lighter than the V8 and sits further back, improving the centre of gravity and weight distribution. It’s a fine engine, too, which works well with PDK to deliver smooth and strong acceleration – although not quite the punch of the V8.

We’d be tempted to lose those 20-inch wheels and wide tyres. These introduce an edginess which is at odds with the car’s otherwise fine stability and grippy, flat cornering style. They also spoil the supple ride – one area where the V6 model is notably better than the V8. So, does this entry-level variant add up? It’s a decent addition to the range which costs far less than its V8 brother. For those who covet the Porsche badge, that’ll be reason enough. For others, there’s plenty of competition to choose from.

Rival: Jaguar XFR
The Brit won’t turn as many heads as the Porsche, and while its interior is good, it doesn’t feel as special or as spacious. However, to drive, the supercharged V8 Jaguar has the Panamera beaten on every front. A conspicuous bargain