Re: Rennteam's First Panamera TURBO Testdrive
W8MM:
So, what about the Panamera Turbo being too hard to modulate on the throttle to be a good canyon carver? Inquiring minds want to know.
Ask you local Porsche dealer if you can testdrive a Cayenne Turbo or better...Turbo S loaner.
In auto mode, the throttle response/shifting is pretty similar to the Panamera Turbo WITHOUT sport chrono package. The sport chrono package provides a more aggressive throttle response and the shifting is a bit more nervous in auto mode.
Another difference to the Cayenne Turbo/S: from standstill, the acceleration in the Panamera Turbo is brutally instant, it jumps forward like a rocket, something the Cayenne doesn't.
From my knowledge, BMW delivers the 750i with a sportier chassis setup in Germany than in the US for example, this is why your 750i experience may not have been that good. Yes, you're right, the low seating position and especially the elevated middle in the interior provide the driver and the passengers of the Panamera with a sportier feel, no doubt about it. I can't see ANY similarity to the 911 though. My Mercedes E55 AMG felt sportier. The emphasis is on "felt" because I can't say how fast the Panamera Turbo actually is because everything happens slightly below the "radar", meaning that the driving experience, especially without sport exhaust and sport chrono package, is pretty unimpressive, almost boring but still VERY fast.
"Active" drivers should definetely order the Panamera Turbo with sport exhaust, sport chrono package, PDCC, adaptive air suspension and if there is money left, PCCB. This is actually the only Panamera ACTIVE drivers can be happy with, unless they want something comfy for commuting from A to B only and money doesn't matter.
Btw: the current Jaguar XF-R (not the new model with the weird backlights) is fast as hell and feels absolutely great and sporty. I had the chance to drive one for half an hour, if I find the time, I post some cell phone pictures. For a price tag of 85000 EUR (dealer offering over here) , a real bargain. I almost signed the lease contract but backed off because I really don't need it right now.
--
RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor 997 Turbo, Cayenne Turbo S, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S JCW