Automotive

For what was once a highly controversial model from a polarizingly powerful brand, this milestone is indeed quite notable - the Porsche production line in Leipzig, Germany, produced the 100,000th Panamera today (May 15, 2013)

Launched in 2009 to cries of "Blasphemy" from Porsche purists (though slightly more muted than the outcry when the Cayenne SUV was introduced...) with what was (and still is) a ...ummm...very unique profile and rear end, there is no question the Panamera has proven itself to be a commercial success story.

Porsche writes, "The milestone vehicle is a new Panamera S E-Hybrid in “rhodium-silver metallic”. This vehicle – the world’s first plug-in hybrid of the luxury class - made its debut before a world audience at the Shanghai Auto Show at the end of April 2013. The Panamera S E-Hybrid combines efficiency, sportiness and comfort with a very personal note: the number of possible combinations of factory installed exterior and interior color combinations and decors is over 1,500. With 416 hp (306 kW) of system power, the car’s NEDC fuel consumption is just 3.1 liters of fuel per 100 km, which equates to 71 g/km CO2 emissions. The car is also a Porsche Gran Turismo through and through: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, and its top speed is 270 km/h. "

During the 918 dynamic launch at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, home of the Porsche Sport Driving School (PSDS) hot laps were provided using the Panamera GTS with PSDS instructors at the wheel.  Though I wasn't the biggest fan of the model (I tend to agree with the naysayers about the bodyshape, though I have to admit it's growing on me, and the interior is definitely more than competitive with the AMG, BMW, and Audi models) the hot laps were definitely as exciting as any I've taken in an E63, M5, or S8.

The brilliant use of interior space further pushes the Panamera towards becoming a compelling choice in the realm of performance sedas; with the exception of the S8, the rear seat legroom is far superior to the E63 NA (discontinued for a bi-turbo) or the M5, with handling and driver feel far superior to their respective S class and 7 series.

The 2014 Panamera certainly cuts an even more aggressive profile, front and rear, than it's predecessors.

The market has spoken, and the Panamera is a winner for Porsche.

What are your personal thoughts on the Panamera?

Cheers,

TM

I think I am one of the few who just love the Panamera. Had the chance to drive my buddys' 4S, will not forget that day

Not my favorite design, but it was a pleasure to drive, a fantastic machine with no doubt. It's amazing how easy to drive and how agile it feels for its size. I really enjoyed the experience.

cheers

vte

Just like the Cayenne, when I saw the Panamera, I was not moved by its rear end.

However, over time, its grown on me and I think it looks more daring than the usual S class or the now yawner 7 Series..

for full disclosure, I have a Cayenne...so obviously I got over the controversy...