Porsche Panamera Diesel review, test drive

Much of our drive was restricted to the Yamuna Expressway, so we can’t tell you how the Panamera diesel is around corners. But we’ve driven the petrol Panamera S on our favourite roads around Mumbai before and we know for a fact that it’s quite engaging through the bends, with a precise steering and little roll to spoil the fun. It’s no Boxster, but as far as GTs go, it’s up there with the very best. The ride comfort is of high accord too – left in Comfort, the suspension is cushy and easily absorbs soft undulations. In the city, though, the Panamera did feel a tad lumpy, while the considerable width and limited visibility had us on edge around Noida’s free-for-all roundabouts.

Small windows apart, there’s little to complain about with the Panamera’s cabin. Its cockpit-like design, brilliant quality and supremely comfy seats make it feel special. And yes, your passengers will be comfy in the back too. Just request them to travel light, because the Panamera’s 445-litre boot can’t hold much. That’s one of the compromises you have to live with when you buy something that’s part-sportscar and part-luxury saloon. As for styling, it looks every bit a Porsche, albeit not a pretty one.

But is that enough to put you off the Panamera Diesel? Absolutely not. A lot of that stems from the fact that, for the average multi-millionaire, it offers exclusivity that no Merc, BMW or Audi can. The diesel engine is strong enough to provide some thrills and there’s some pleasure in knowing your car will spend less time at the fuel pump than your neighbour’s Panamera S. Good ride quality on smooth roads and a beautiful cabin also make this a car you’d love to take on long journeys. But only buy the Panamera Diesel (or any Panamera for that matter) if you’re a keen driver yourself. Because if you want to be chauffeured around, the Rs 1.19 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai) asking price could get you one of many other comfort-oriented luxury cars.

Nikhil Bhatia