Porsche Panamera 4S 3.0 V6 PDK 4dr Car Review - June 2013

The 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine in the Panamera 4S means the car can do 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds, which make it a second-and-a-half quicker than the entry-level 3.6-litre model. Top speed is higher too, with the 4S topping out at 177mph. The engine’s vital statistics are a torque reading of 384lb-ft at 1750-5000 rpm, and a power output of 420bhp at 6000rpm. The Panamera 4S handles like Porsche’s of old, but with the four-wheel drive taking away some of the fun of oversteer. The suspension is firm at lower speeds, but comes into its own when driven more aggressively. The driving position allows for plenty of adjustment, and the leather seats are eminently comfortable, but the plethora of controls at your disposal can be distracting.

Porsche have pulled off a coup with the Panamera of expanding into the executive saloon market without compromising too much the sleek sports car style looks with which they have become synonymous. From most angles the Panamera 4S is a striking and composed 5-door hatchback while still managing to be unmistakably a Porsche. As you would expect for a car in its class, the Panamera 4S is well kitted-out, and comes as standard with power steering, central locking, the Porsche Stability Management system, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front and rear windows, cruise control, rear parking sensor, leather seats, alarm, immobiliser, bluetooth, and CD player. Disappointingly it does miss out on some items, such as MP3 connectivity which will cost another £227 to add. Other optional extras don’t come cheap, with rear seat entertainment system costing an additional £2420, an electric sunroof for £1004, and metallic paint finish for £801.

Unlike most new cars released on the European market, the Porsche Panamera 4S is not crash tested by Euro NCAP, the independent consumer organisation which performs safety testing and award marks out of five. Nonetheless, what we can tell you is that the Porsche comes with a comprehensive system of safety features, including driver, passenger, and front side airbag protection. The Panamera 4S’ 3-year manufacturers warranty is for an unlimited mileage period. The 5-door hatchback design is capable of seating four adults, but there is some compromise on rear headroom to achieve that swooping sports car body style. Boot capacity is a no-better-than-average 445 litres too, although this increases to 1263 when both of the split folding rear seats are lowered.

At £85,721 the 4S sits in the middle of the Panamera range, almost £22,000 more expensive to buy than the entry 3.6 V6. A combined fuel economy of 31.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 208g/km mean the Panamera 4S will not be cheap to run, although that is true of the whole range bar the prohibitively expensive e-Hybrid version. An insurance group of 49 will scare off company buyers too. No, the Panamera 4S is a car you’d only consider if money was no object, and if that was the case you’d go for the faster GTS or the V8 Turbo. If the purchase price is a consideration you’d probably choose the more sensible diesel, and the 4S struggles to justify its higher purchase price than lesser models in the range.