Was about to sign up for a new Merc E-class to replace my C-class when I got an invitation to test drive the "new" Panamera.
I chose the Diesel as my Merc is a Diesel and I liked it (very economical).
I did not expect much and have never really looked at the Panamera but I was pleasantly surprised. Even with the basic coil and damper suspension a very nice ride. Nice torque and pretty reasonable performance. Interior is a nice place to be (heck, I could live in it).
So, just 4 days later I took a lightly used 2013 with 7000Kms on the clock off the dealer floor in silver metalic. As new condition. Traded in the C-class.
Drove the Pana around a bit including some curvey stuff normally reserved for the exclusive enjoyment of my C2S 991. Very nice indeed. Diesel or not - this is a Porsche. Remarkable economy. This thing drinks less than my C-Class 220 CDI used to and its 300Kg heavier and the size of a medium ocean liner.

So, never thought this would happen but now I have two Porsches in my garage.

Rainier

 

I know the feeling!



Awesome, congrats!!

Now pics or it didnt happen!!

 

Congratulations! You're going to love the Panamera.

 

Have the same situation and also never expected to have 2 Pcars in my possession.

 

Ok, here are the pics.









Right, now that's that out of the way.
Something occured to me.
I never knew what the Panamera was for. In my mind it was something to walk past at the Porsche shop with gaze firmly fixed to the first 911 in sight. An oddity at best.
Yes, I took a test drive (since free food was offered as an incentive) and yes, just 4 days later this was in my garage. That's history and I'm a convert.
It's simple. The Panamera is an option for the 911. It's everything the 911 is not and the 911 is everything the Panamera is not. If the 911 would have an "inflate" button on the center console - it would change to a Panamera and back as you want. Since that is not quite possible unless you are smoking something good - think of the two as two pieces of a puzzle that neatly fit into each other.
This "two pieces of a puzzle" is even more so the case with the Panamera diesel - it's really economical almost on a micro-car kind of scale and thus compensates for the occasional heavy foot on the 911. Nice. I feel all green now.

Rainier

 

awesome beautiful congrats!!

 

Lovely Rainer - is that Stellenbosch, or Paarl? If not, where is that lovely tree lined road?

 

Congratulations, that's beautiful Rainer!! The setting is breath taking.

 

You're pretty close. It's a bit more south.
The pictures here are taken at Waters Edge and the access road to the Glades. Both are small residential settlements within the Wedderwill Country estate just to the east of Somerset West.

Rainier

 

Nice!!

 

I've had two Porsches in my garage for a few years now.

Presently, it's a '13 991S and a '13 Panamera GTS. The 991 is my DD and track car - equipped with S-PASM, PDCC, adaptive seats, PDK w/ Sport Chrono +. The Panny is my "long distance" and ski car.


This way, we never have to drive a non-Porsche!

DMoore

 

Well, the Panamera is really my wife's DD allthough I drive it every chance I get - I really like it, the diesel engine is magnificent. Never thought I'd say that about a diesel. Sounds like a V8, completely civilised and quiet at idle and very, very economical - I hate petrol stations so this means less time at those places !.

The 991 is really my DD but I do use my MX-5 (Miata) quite often (yes, I know, it's not a Porsche). I love the simplicity, lightness and chuckability of the MX-5. Really great suspension too. It's a master piece. Could do with more power though. With the same redline as the 991 it does however mean you can thrash it all the time so perhaps it's good this way.

For all the dirty work my trusty 1989 model Toyota Hilux double cab 4x4 comes out to play. It's indestructable. It's my "Land rover recovery vehicle". No kidding. It's done that several times...

Rainier

 

Beautiful vehicle. I wish we had the diesel option in the states. Seems we are always the last to get them in all vehicles. My hybrid does well on gas consumption though, not so with the 996. The view is spectacular.

 

No Panamera Diesel in the U.S. ?
That explains the lack of mention on the forums - I did not know that.
Yes, the Hybrid is interesting. It's only going to be available here at the end of the year. Decided not to go for any hybrids just yet - technology needs to mature and stabilize. But with a plug-in Hybrid Porsche is on the right track. Perhaps another two years or so...

Rainier