Test Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S and Turbo
Drive
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While both the 4S and Turbo are fast with 400 and 500 horses respectively, it was the Turbo that was the most impressive. The 4S was impressive, and was the first Panamera I drove. It was responsive and grippy; exactly what you’d expect from a larger, 4WD Porsche with an 8-cylinders and Porsche’s impressive PDK transmission.
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And then I got in the Turbo: phenomenal. With just 100 more horses the Turbo is at a whole other level of fast. Coupled with Porsches PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung), or dual-clutch, transmission the shifts are flawless and the car is just so bloody fast you’ll be grinning from ear to ear whether you’re cruising on the highway or popping to the grocery store for milk. While not specific to the Panamera Turbo, it was equipped with the Sport Plus mode which meant Launch Control was possible. And of course that meant we had to test it. Basically, Launch Control ensures the cleanest launch possible from 0 to get you up to speed as quickly as possible. Simply pop the car into Sport Plus, push your left foot on the brake as hard as possibe, then mash your right foot on the gas pedal (pushing it all the way to floor), then when the revs are up take your left foot of the brake and go. And go you will! The power is mind-blowing and a bit disorienting! But it’s amazing all the same. Overall the Porsche Panamera really is a joy to drive, but it has a few faults on the functional side. It is a big car, there’s no mistaking that. The lack of blind-spot indicators and incessant collision warning beeps that wouldn’t stop, even when I was in line at Tim’s and too close to the wall, just seemed like no-brainers to me. But really, there’s so much that’s good about the Panamera, so it’s rather easy to overlook minor issues like that.
