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Porsche brings luxury to new heights

There is nothing like a Porsche. What started as a small motor vehicle consulting firm in Stuttgart, Germany has become a major player in the world. The Porsche name is at the top of the list for many who desire something special.
Porsche
Originality: The Porsche Panamera has been given a refresh for 2014, with new additions including the first ever plug-in hybrid and executive versions.

There is nothing like a Porsche. What started as a small motor vehicle consulting firm in Stuttgart, Germany has become a major player in the world. The Porsche name is at the top of the list for many who desire something special.

While Porsche has earned this reputation mainly because of its iconic 911, they now offer a full range of premium automobiles. Despite protests from purists, the new and larger vehicles have quickly become the brand’s top sellers. These include the Cayenne SUV and four-door “coupe” Panamera.

While these cars’ popularity prove that a viable market exists for a high-performance luxury sedan, Porsche has decided to give the Panamera a small refresh and expand the line for 2014. The additions are Porsche’s first ever plug-in hybrid, the Panamera S E-Hybrid, and two luxurious Executive versions of the 4S and Turbo models.

Design
The main reason why Panamera upset many Porsche enthusiasts is that its design breaks away from Porsche’s signature formula. While all 911’s have been light, two-door coupes with the engine mounted behind the rear axle, the Panamera is much larger, has four doors, and its engine is up front. Besides, many of us have not yet “warmed up” to the unusual design of this car.

Even owners of past Panamera models can be excused if they fail to spot the cosmetic differences between the 2013 and the 2014. Following Porsche traditions, styling changes have been evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

At the front, the air intakes are larger and the headlights have more sweeping design and also feature LEDs.

The biggest changes occur at the back, however. The rear hatch has been revised with a larger window on a steeper rake. This helps smooth out the car’s silhouette.

Performance
When you look at the Panamera’s engine options, you realize just how much performance this luxury four-door coupe offers. Even the base model boasts more than 300 horsepower.

The entry-level engine, found in the Panamera and Panamera 4, is a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 that produces 310 hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque. This is capable of hauling the rear-wheel drive cars from zero to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds; 6.1 seconds in all-wheel drive trim.

The GTS model retains the 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V8. A new air induction system helps produce 440 hp and 384 ft-lbs of torque.

The two top-of-the-line Turbo models also have a 4.8-litre V8, but add two turbos. The turbochargers are mounted parallel, one for each cylinder bank, and the cooler air boosts horsepower to 520 and torque to 516.3 ft-lbs.

Driving the new S E-Hybrid is not much of a departure from the traditional Panamera. It will rocket to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds, but even under hard acceleration, it doesn’t make much noise. Also, the steering and brakes are not quite as razor sharp, mostly due to their regenerative responsibilities.

Environment
Inside, a similar theme to the exterior styling was used. The evolutionary approach and minor alterations should make current owners feel at home.

The centre console is the command zone and is full of buttons. A touchscreen, set higher on the dash, also remains.

From the driver’s position, all the important information is clearly displayed in Porsche’s signature five-gauge panel. Sticking with tradition, a large tachometer takes centre stage. The S E-Hybrid gets minor tweaks, namely bright green needles and an efficiency gauge replacing the speedometer.

The rear seat in standard wheelbase models is designed to comfortably seat someone who is 6-4. There are only two seats in the back, but both passengers have a lot of room. Those who feel they need to offer more space and luxury to their rear passengers should look into the Executive models, as they add 15 cm of legroom.

Features
The Panamera ranges in price from $89,500 for the base model up to $184,100 for the Turbo Executive.

Fuel efficiency numbers for the base model are (L/100km) 11.6 city, 7.4 highway and 9.7 combined.

Thumbs Up
This car is spectacular out on the open road and is a great choice for a long journey. Its driving dynamics make it just as fun as any smaller sports car, but the Panamera offers more comfort and passenger space.

Thumbs Down
The Panamera isn’t for everyone. It truly is a Porsche, and being low, long and wide makes it hard to park and manoeuvre in tight spaces.

The Bottom Line
The 2014 Panamera is for someone who seek Porsche performance but needs an extra two seats and likes a big, luxurious car.