Porsche Panamera 4S and Turbo. REVIEW. Oman

Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) thankfully comes as standard fitment on many of the new Panamera models including the 4S and the Turbo and gear changes are fast and smooth. Something I have a little difficulty with is the Sport Shift Buttons mounted on the wheel instead of paddle shifters. With the wheel grasped, you use your finger to push the button towards you to drop a gear and use your thumb to push the button away from you to go up a gear. This feels somewhat contrary to normal operating procedure and this is not somewhere I would want to fluff a gear change as there are occasional sheer drops beside the road.

The Cayenne is being driven enthusiastically but it is too far within the capabilities of the Panamera Turbo to challenge either car or driver. While the Cayenne is leaning over on the corners, the Panamera simply wafts round them without fuss. Lag is more present than on the 4S but compensated by a massive dose of torque and acceleration when they do spool up. With the slower car in front, however, it becomes difficult to stay in the sweet spot of the turbocharged V8 and on the straighter sections it is a case of rolling off the power for fear we will embed the nose into the back of the SUV.

Arriving at our lunch spot after the ‘brisk’ drive up the mountain has me feeling a little bit frustrated at not being able to freely unleash either the 4S or the Turbo today. If anything though, that is a testament to the capabilities of the new Panamera. It didn’t put a foot wrong where other cars may have faltered and its acceleration and handling are definitely not characteristic of a car with a dry weight of around two tons.

While the looks may still divide the room, the truth is as it always has been with the Panamera: the best place to be is in the driving seat. Hopefully we get the chance soon to put the Panamera through its paces on home turf and sample that “race car DNA”.

Panamera Wallpapers Available HERE