This has nothing to do with fashion, although you could argue, quite a bit perhaps, that the Panamera is a big fashion statement. Be that as it may, what I'm referring too is smaller engines in big cars.
In Europe (some of you may become weary of this line), most flagship and high-end products can be delivered with more compact and efficient engines, not only V8s. Buyers can purchase V6-equipped versions of the S-Class, A8 and 7-Series. Very soon, a 4-cylinder diesel S-Class will also be available as will a 4-cylinder turbo hybrid A8. Any of these powertrains would be blasphemy in such cars in North America. But think about that for a second...
Porsche did and if you scroll through the attached gallery, I guarantee that if you did not know that you were staring (yes, you were staring) at a V6 Panamera, you would have guessed that it was an “S” or a “Turbo”. And that's the trick. Who needs to know what's under your frock, err, hood? What's important is how you look right?
Wheels of a difference
That's what you call camouflage. With the right set of alloys, any car can be smashing, especially if you couple that to de-badging the car. This is another common trend with our friends from across the Pond.
So, here's the recipe. You take a basic (if you can call it that) $88,000 Panamera V6, slap on any of the optional 20” wheels (personally, I'd spring for the RS Spyder Design) for about $5,000, throw in a free model designation delete and everyone you'll cross on the road will think that you're pimpin' at the helm of a $120,000 4S or, if they can't tell the difference bumper and tailpipe-wise, a $155,000 Turbo.
Much has been written and blogged about on the Panamera's styling and design. Personally, if you don't like it, go elsewhere. Just make sure you don't slide behind the wheel, otherwise you will be spoiled.
It's not so much that the cabin is logically laid-out or caters to all our whims as discerning customers and passengers, it's about how the controls fall into place, how the steering wheel greets you and, most importantly, how visually satisfying the sightlines, textures and colours are. The centre console is especially eye-catching with its multitude of buttons, but the relative simplicity with which all are manipulated is what will get you.
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| The Panamera V6 makes loads of sense. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
In Europe (some of you may become weary of this line), most flagship and high-end products can be delivered with more compact and efficient engines, not only V8s. Buyers can purchase V6-equipped versions of the S-Class, A8 and 7-Series. Very soon, a 4-cylinder diesel S-Class will also be available as will a 4-cylinder turbo hybrid A8. Any of these powertrains would be blasphemy in such cars in North America. But think about that for a second...
Porsche did and if you scroll through the attached gallery, I guarantee that if you did not know that you were staring (yes, you were staring) at a V6 Panamera, you would have guessed that it was an “S” or a “Turbo”. And that's the trick. Who needs to know what's under your frock, err, hood? What's important is how you look right?
Wheels of a difference
That's what you call camouflage. With the right set of alloys, any car can be smashing, especially if you couple that to de-badging the car. This is another common trend with our friends from across the Pond.
So, here's the recipe. You take a basic (if you can call it that) $88,000 Panamera V6, slap on any of the optional 20” wheels (personally, I'd spring for the RS Spyder Design) for about $5,000, throw in a free model designation delete and everyone you'll cross on the road will think that you're pimpin' at the helm of a $120,000 4S or, if they can't tell the difference bumper and tailpipe-wise, a $155,000 Turbo.
Much has been written and blogged about on the Panamera's styling and design. Personally, if you don't like it, go elsewhere. Just make sure you don't slide behind the wheel, otherwise you will be spoiled.
It's not so much that the cabin is logically laid-out or caters to all our whims as discerning customers and passengers, it's about how the controls fall into place, how the steering wheel greets you and, most importantly, how visually satisfying the sightlines, textures and colours are. The centre console is especially eye-catching with its multitude of buttons, but the relative simplicity with which all are manipulated is what will get you.
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| I’m impressed on how well the controls are placed. (Photo: Porsche) |