Doug DeMuro returns to us with another caffeinated presentation of one of Porsche’s most versatile and complicated machines. Gifted with keen eyes he picks up on every detail, every idiosyncrasy, and every little facet which a formulaic journalist might miss. DeMuro obsesses over the craftsmanship of the cars he reviews, and, as a result, gets to the heart of what makes them appeal to most.
What his review of the new Panamera conveys is the versatility this Porsche offers. As the Panamera Turbo is first and foremost a sumptuous tourer, it really wouldn’t do to have a bold, GT3-esque wing protruding from the rear. However, the 4.0-liter V8 makes 550 horsepower and 557 lb-ft of torque, and that allows it to hurtle to 180 mph, tires permitting. Therefore, the space-age wing is necessary when blitzing down the Autobahn for stability. However, when trying to look sleek on a drive down to the shops, it folds in on itself. Even better, as Doug shows us, it can be controlled, complete with an animated graphic, via the Porsche’s touchscreen.
With a digital display showing the positon of the wing, the Panamera Turbo provides the geekier customer with hours of fun.
The dash offers other ways to entertain technically-minded occupants. In typical Porsche fashion, the tachometer is mounted prominently in the middle, and it’s flanked by what appear to be a set of two circular gauges. However, this a subtle styling cue; these instruments are, in fact, two screens which can mimic gauges for a sense of continuity. The driver can adjust these mock-gauges to display different sets of information. Additionally, the rightmost display will change from a set of gauges to a broad, screen-filling map to keep the driver from having to crane their neck and peer at the central dash. Perhaps safety comes first in this case, but you can’t help but enjoy the consideration given to the subtle integration of it all.
As Doug explains in the video above, the tactile surface of the roller knobs only add to that feeling of luxury and involvement; everyday functions inside this Porsche are done with flair and technological sophistication. Yet, it still manages to remain purposeful and subdued. For instance, the touchscreen “buttons” on the central dash remain black when the Panamera is off for a clean look. In many ways, the interior is very similar from that unique combination of style, subtlety, and practicality like the 918’s.
Though DeMuro’s driving impressions don’t give great insight into the Panamera’s road behavior, he does captivate the audience more concerned with the real-world, everyday experience this machine offers and what will likely stand out to the average Panamera buyer. After all, few people who own this machine will ever max it out on the Autobahn.