Porsche Panamera

When opting for the ‘base model’ isn’t a bad idea

- Scott Newman

THE LATEST PORSCHE Panamera facelift isn’t exactly extensive – even Porsche itself describes it as “very mild”.

It mainly consists of a couple of new variants such as the V8 GTS, petrol-only Turbo S, more powerful 4S E-Hybrid and a long-wheelbase ‘Executive’ option for the Panamera 4, but it also gives us a chance to slide behind the wheel of the ‘base model’ Panamera.

That’s not a particularly accurate descriptor of a car that starts at $199,500 before options or on-roads, but the fact remains that this is the lowest rung on the Panamera ladder. Porsche has not left it idle, however, bolstering the value case with extra equipment.

The Panamera now includes LED matrix headlights as well as PDLS Plus (active cornering headlights), Power Steering Plus (speed-sensitive power steering), ventilated front seats, lane change assist, a head-up display and soft-close doors, so it’s an impressive amount of added kit.

Certainly from behind the wheel there is little to no hint that you’ve refrained from scaling higher up the Panamera pecking order. The cabin is awash with beautiful clever and sexy carbon, all the technology – infotainment, driving and safety – seems present and correct (in part thanks to the update) and there are very few blank spaces in place of buttons which usually serve as a dead giveaway that you’ve skimped on the overall spend.