As good as new Bag a Porsche Panamera for less

p a y t o m u c h h o w a n d i t b u y t o w h e r e b u y , t o W h a t

AS GOOD AS NEW PORSCHE PANAMERA

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ractical Porsches P have hard always time w had a inning over the enthusiasts. The Cayenne SUV was given a hostile reception when it first appeared in 2002, and the same happened with the Panamera executive car in 2009. The latter model wasn’t welcomed with open arms, rather howls of derision.

The reaction owed mostly to the model’s ‘hunchback-911’ looks, although Porsche managed to improve on those quite significantly for the Panamera’s second generation. Introduced in 2016, this latest car has won over critics, not only in the style department but in many others, too.

There is a varied and powerful range of engines, for starters. On the petrol front, you can choose

Cabin is spacious and very comfy, especially up front

OUR TOP SPEC

from an entry-level 325bhp 2.9-litre V6, a 621bhp 4.0-litre V8 (in the Turbo S), a 417bhp diesel or a selection of hybrids.

The 4S E-Hybrid mates a 2.9-litre V6 with an electric motor for a combined output of 552bhp. Needless to say it’s quick, and you can travel up to (a claimed) 33 miles on electric power alone.

Go for the Turbo S E-Hybrid and that emission-free figure dips to 31 miles, but you get a lot more grunt. With a combined 680bhp from its V8 and electric motor, it has more power than an Audi R8 and McLaren Artura. Launch it and 0-62mph flashes by in 3.2sec.

But how does the Panamera drive? Well, it’s impressive, and

s 4 E-HYBRID 10 YEARS EDITION If you want the hybrid, this pecial edition is the value buy. You will get a lot of kit, such as a panoramic roof, heated seats, soft-close doors and a Bose hi-fi. t that’s without any caveats for being a big, heavy executive car. The steering is weighty but direct and responsive, plus here’s seemingly endless grip. It’s wonderfully rewarding to drive, with excellent body control and balance. From new, you could even pay extra for a four-wheel steering system to improve agility. Admittedly, the ride can be rather firm, but it’s always well controlled and never uncomfortable. The nonstandard air suspension is your best option if you can stretch to it, but don’t worry if you find yourself with a car that has the standard set-up. It’s very nearly as good. Your trim depends on your

BUYER BEWARE

SERVICING Don’t expect servicing to be cheap, especially if you have it done through Porsche. To get a Porsche-approved warranty (£770 for 12 months), your vehicle has to pass a 111-point check. Servicing is required every two years or 20,000 miles. RECALLS Reported problems are few, but the Panamera was the subject of a UK recall. Porsche recalled 197 examples over concerns about the connecting links on the rear-axle anti-roll bar. The issue can lead to excessive noise and an activated yellow warning light.