Tested: Porsche Panamera Diesel
@thespeedbusters
THE ULTIMATE DRIVER’S SALOON?
Words by Alessandro Marrone
Photos by Jay Tomei – Gian Romero – Davide Carletti
About a month ago, I found myself hands full with a non negligible diesel engine (BMW M550d, see ACM #35) and I began a careful personal reflection, which led me to the conclusion that the line between performance and everyday usability is very thin. A boundary that only until a few years ago was rather sharp and outlined by a number of factors that made cars with diesel engines indicated and useful for long journeys and to limit fuel consumption; no one would have dared to choose a diesel, when in his heart there was the love for sporty driving and for an exhaust roar. That torque, only available for a short time, on a scale of revs too short, that annoying noise that did turn up your nose and a routine maintenance and repairs costs more expensive than a gasoline, were some of the main reasons that catalyzed the petrolheads to a classic petrol engine car. Things have changed however, and I am referring to the handful of cars that under the hood have the result of a number of years of development and testing in the real world, to the sound of hundreds of thousands of kilometers. In these terms, I gladly accept an Audi, a BMW or a Mercedes, but when two bishops of sportiness and luxury like Porsche and Maserati have decided to “go to the dark side”, I do not deny that this made turn my nose and that I repeatedly questioned myself about which the real need to have an emblazoned badge flanked at that “dirty” fuel. Like when you stand in front of a dish never tasted before, the best thing to evaluate it, is tasting it. Only then, bit by bit, you will understand if it is objectively and subjectively valid and if that satisfies you. That’s why I brought the Panamera diesel a little everywhere, in search of its weaknesses and its strengths, with the constant thought that I would not find myself dealing with the classic and impeccable Porsche. I was wrong, because it managed to surprise me day after day and to establish a relationship with me that I had to take those beliefs and throw them away. In two weeks, I then devoured that dish, licking my fingers. That’s how:
Part 1 – Overview
I am going to be sincere with you: I have always been a supporter of the Panamera. Unlike all those who have always considered it as a hippo with stiletto heels, from the day when I saw the first sketches, I hoped it would have made it to production, and when it was confirmed, I was more than satisfied. Those soft lines at the front and back retraces to perfection the forms of the immortal 911, that cockpit, luxurious and sporty at the same time, that (the first of the family) completely new center console studded by a myriad of buttons, and finally some space to share a Porsche with more than one person and with a spacious boot to be used for your holidays or for our beloved road trips. Obviously, like everybody, I’ve always been prone to the Turbo version, and then to the GTS, but after having tested the goodness of a powerful petrol V8, all that remained was to understand whether to buy a Panamera diesel was a smart choice or not. That’s why I have called into question the 3.0cc V6, updated and capable of delivering 300 hp. Since it is not (not only) a test that is based on emotions and sensations at the wheel, at least not as a first approach, I carefully peeled the specs and noticed that under the hood (and under the plastic cover) there is only one turbo and then, facing a single turbo engine that manages 100 hp/liter is already something unusual, especially in a time in which displacement decreases, car makers stick two (or three) turbos in every car and try to squeeze the maximum torque and power out of ‘em, sometimes losing from sight the voice fuel consumption, that on a diesel sedan shall instead be the first target to achieve. Obviously this is the new model and so tail lights are renewed, in my opinion even more convincing than the previous one. Watching it on three quarters and you won’t understand its real size, but look at it from one side and you’ll know you’re dealing with a true heavyweight: 1.900kg (without people and luggage on board) and 5 meters long, capable of accommodating without problems four people and luggage for a month’s vacation. The gearbox is an 8-speed automatic, providing steering wheel buttons that are not the best (I prefer paddle shifters), but to be fair, you will not notice the gear changes, to the benefit of a comfortable ride, especially in normal mode.
Part 2 – Life on Board
It is not yet time to play with electronics, and I drive the first 850 km of motorway without putting hand to those buttons that on the petrol version allowed me to play with this beast of two tons, almost as if it was a giant 911. The traffic outside Milan is tremendous; there is also an accident and then another one, plus rain, sleet and fog (only aliens were missing). A similar situation would have seemed hellish, especially behind the wheel of any other car, but in the cabin of the Panamera I feel perfectly at ease. The air conditioning also heats this luxurious place and leather seats make the interior climate totally opposite to the outside, the radio gives voice to the AC/DC and I would be willing to grind kilometer after kilometer, thanks to a tank the size of a truck and a stunning fuel consumption (in the most free areas, at code speed, I even scored an outstanding 6 l/100km). In the evening, driving along the road leading home, I notice that its dimensions are remarkable: sometimes I have to slow down more than usual and the sports clock in the middle of the dashboard reflects on the windshield. No matter, I’m ready to climb on board soon, because at this point, the desire to find out more about this 3.0 diesel has become a real necessity. The next day I walk less road, but I bring the Panamera for a first photos shoot on a nice twisty road with some fun corners after having crossed towns, cities, a picturesque coastal road and a few kilometers of mountain/hill. The Tiptronic gearbox does its duty and, taking as much as possible the higher gears, I never feel the need to manually intervene. The noise level is anything other than the result of a perfect soundproofing of the passenger compartment: you have to know that, early in the morning, not even a cold start seems to be one of a diesel engine, and this is a very important point that I wish to emphasize. We can almost say that if there wasn’t the word “diesel” on the front wheel arch, no one would know that you are an “unusual Porsche driver”. Here is the first opportunity for me to face a couple of questions and understand that more than a test drive, this is a real exam, as if to find a flaw, a flaw in a car that day after day pleases me so much as if it were one of those sports cars that wake up the will to drive in each one of us. Unusual layout for a Porsche, front engine and rear wheel drive (less weight than an all-wheel-drive) that easily handles the 300 hp available. But let’s be fussy and analyze the torque curve of this VW engine, already seen on the excellent A6 Allroad. You reach the redline at 4500 rpm, of course, and at 4000 you have the maximum power; the 650Nm of torque, however, peep already at 1750 rpm and stay there until 2500, giving an appreciated boost even by those who are used to something more violent and faster. It presses you to the seat even if for a fraction of time compared to the acceleration of a petrol engine, but as soon as the Tiptronic upshifts, that boost is there again for a constant and continuous progression of this heavyweight. In “Normal” mode it will be more gentle, while in “Sport” the throttle will be more sensitive and the gearbox faster, while the control unit will insist using lower gears, so as to have more revs for a possible overtaking. Depending on the road, and whatever the driving mode you choose, you can then adjust the suspension and thus limit body roll when cornering or easier imbalance of such a weight, due to a sudden change of direction, perhaps in a fast corner to corner. This makes me think at one of my favorite proving ground: Col de Turini. After all, what better place to bring a 2 tons sedan and see if it still has the very Porsche blood in it? “Do or Die”, and I’m not referring to the possibility of falling from a cliff at the first hairpin, but to the fact that if it behaves well in a similar environment, so distant and quite hostile for a car like this, well guys, we should pull down our hat and declare unconditional love.
Part 3 – Col de Turini
Just do it. With my girlfriend and photographer, we climb up to one of the most legendary and picturesque roads in Europe, so dear to every motorsport’s lover (historical stage of the MonteCarlo Rally), as for us at Auto Class (stage for one of our main events). It seems unbelievable that a seemingly uncontaminated place, surrounded by rocks and strips of asphalt, has been scenario of epic battles at the last millisecond and attract thousands of delirious fans from all over the world. With a different pace, we begin our climb, obviously in “Sport Plus” mode, which reduces traction control and makes the gearbox even faster than before. The first section is the one leading up to Sospel and it’s made of wide and fast corners that allow the big Panamera to slightly widen the tail, everything soon resumed as soon as you stepped on the gas coming out of corners . The steering is smooth and precise, but in tight curves you suffer the need to steer a lot, a lot more than that of a standard sports car. We have to work hard and keep our eyes on the road, since the angle of the beveled face and sides do not transmit accurately the dimensions of the body itself. The gearbox, in manual mode, accomplishes its dirty work, but I still do not love the Tiptronic so-called “buttons”, especially when cornering and with the steering wheel turned over 90°, you have to look for + to upshift and instead you click on the -, downshifting. That said, the pace is remarkable and the road after Sospel begins to be more narrow and steep. Some stops to allow the photographer to immortalize our diesel-based climb and we’re back on track, eager to find out more about the limits of the Panamera Diesel. Here come the hairpings and brakes are always fantastic (perhaps too powerful, especially in city driving), they do not suffer the slightest fading, despite being urged a lot between a curve and the other. In the middle of the corner, flooring the throttle, you allow the rear to expand with more arrogance and thanks to a great weight balance, it’s a fun game to point back the front exactly where you want it to go. I feel almost guilty to compel a sedan born and meant to be used without burdening the family budget because of a disproportionate consumption, just like a Lotus, always ready to be slaughtered on roads like these, but I have to do it in the name of science to see if Porsche is really able to erase our approach that limits our visions towards alternative power than petrol. Can a 2-ton sedan, powered by diesel, to be at ease in a similar context, and above all can it be fun? So far, so good. The 300 horses are not that many, especially for a similar weight, but its torque plays a fundamental role, because of the short gear ratios (of course), it is always there ready to help to boost forward the beloved Stuttgart’s pony. What a shot guys, all the obtuse beliefs are fading and the top of the Turini is our staging area. After saying hello to our friends at the restaurant, our home at every “Turini Tour”, we resume the march towards Lucérame, but as you all know, uphill is always better than downhill. A little traffic ease and gives another dose of hilarious ride and for most of the time I completely forget to drive a diesel. Please excuse me, I will seem repetitive, but it was a little ‘how to convince Columbus that he had really discovered America. A new world is truly within the reach of most people, who no longer have to give up a brand with a noble and sporting heritage, for going to work every day, maybe after kilometers and kilometers of motorway. A little break for the brakes and I decrease the pace, while going down in Nice just before heading towards the base, in Monaco.
Part 4 – Do We Like It?
Entering the Principality, people’s heads stop turning and the sober look of the Panamera fits perfectly on the streets of one of the craziest concentrates of supercars in the world. Today’s last stage is here, before going home and rest the Panamera for a day, just enough time to put on paper the impressions of today’s drive. Yes, because it has just created a sort of affinity, like the one that usually you live with a sports car as charismatic as a Cayman or a 911. But without sacrificing space or ride comfort, no noisy exhaust or too rigid suspension. It is not a compromise, I tell you: the Panamera diesel, and I talk about this specific model that has about 50 hp more than the previous engine, can do many things well, targeting the double work of grand tourer and daily companion. Consumption is manageable from any wallet (attention at the moment you fill the tank, ‘cause it seems endless), running costs as well, and you don’t have to fear the 6 numbers’ price tag: we are still talking about a Porsche. A Porsche that you can use every single day and on every occasion, just like a pair of Hogan; you love ‘em or you hate them, but if you have a pair, you know you can use them with jeans or a suite, and they will always be fine. This is the key point of this exceptional car. It knows how to entertain and how to go sideways like a sports car, but won’t let you become best friend with the gas station near home. It is comfortable for four people and has one of the best cockpit on the market, where each button has a specific function and this results so much easier and more intuitive than many of its competitors that have a single pad that incorporate a host of features, easily becoming too complicated and boring. The sat-nav is precise and you can also fit it in the digital display, an integral part of the classic Porsche’s five elements behind the steering wheel. And then, the diesel engine noise does not exist. At this point, preferring a Panamera S to this becomes a mere matter of acceleration and sound, as well as to postpone your needs and personal tastes. Personally I see it as one of the best choices you can make, since it drives as a powerful petrol sedan, being both fun but drinking about half of its petrol sister.
And then, let’s face it, it’s still a Porsche! And it is one in every way: ask those who have made a hundred hairpins up and down the Turini.
PORSCHE PANAMERA Diesel (2013-2015)
Layout – front-engined, rear wheel drive
Engine – V6 cylinder 2.967cc – turbo
Transmission – 8-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 300 hp @ 4000 rpm
650 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm
Weight – 1900 kg
Acceleration – 6 sec.
Top Speed – 259 kph
Price – from € 100.000