Resident Evil? Diesel power in a Porsche Panamera - /CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS

[@WillemJacobus1]

The only "resident evil" is the Jeremy Clarkson-induced bias which seems to enslave and mesmerise the British car lover. I salute you, Chris, for following your own mind and not being intimidated by popular opinion. A reviewer shouldn't be a bleating sheep, merely following the flock. It takes guts to give an honest, objective opinion. And that's why you remain my favourite critic and reviewer of cars- by far!

[@nazimelon6653]

150mph barely hear the engine. Thats how a saloon is supposed to be.

[@the-boring-car-guy]

A luxury saloon*

[@mattysea7163]

Deutsche Tech can make the diesel scream with a custom exhaust if you need some noise too.

[@WillemJacobus1]

It's so refreshing to watch an objective, intelligent review. Icons like Jeremy Clarkson and Tiff Needell tend to drown in their own bias, before they even attempt to look at a car fairly and objectively.

[@benrollings6903]

Big diesels are quick. The A5 3.0tdi Quattro sport is one of the fastest cars I've driven in the real world. 0-60 5.9 seconds and feels like it could sail past 155 without the limiter. It's spookily quite to and returns 40mpg easily.

[@mbrofc]

BMW X5 40 d (it’s a 30d) doing the same time as the Audi with awesome economy. 313hp 630nm torque. Kills the Porsche on performance.

[@waifuracer6516]

@@mbrofc in stock form. But these 3.0tdis can handle insane amounts of power on stock internals, and just a simple remap will get it to the same power as the bmw. If you upgrade the turbo and some fueling then you are looking at 400hp. All for about 1k which is not much considering you go from 240 to 400hp.

[@Spartan168]

if its fast enough for chris, it's fast enough for everyone else

[@ChrisSaddlerSam]

EXACTLY!!!

[@matthewcoupeofficial]

On that analogy, if he said an Veyron was slow everyone would feel that way?

[@ramalhoalex]

Chris, yes it is fast enough (at least for me...). I had a 535d for a few years. Now I have a Panamera diesel which feels faster than the the bmw. The torque is incredible. Build quality is excelent. Overall it´s the best car I've ever owned. I had a few fast cars (Z4 35i, E90 M3, jaguar XK, bmw 535d, megane RS etc...). None of them comes even close to the Porsche Panamera. Thank you for your videos. I really enjoy them.

[@jameslovett8697]

Alexandre Ramalho I just cry at the fact its a Diesel though. Nice list of cars btw :)

[@ramalhoalex]

Next will be a 991... :-)

[@jameslovett8697]

Ahhh what do u do for a living if I may ask?

[@ramalhoalex]

Medical doctor.

[@stubones]

+James Lovett The are various petrol engined versions, so please don't cry :)

[@thethepete731]

As a huge fan of diesels, this car makes me all fizzy in the pants. But I have to say, I love the fact that the reviewers seem to be taking a step back from the internet numbers race, and acknowledging that these cars are plenty fast enough, and that we're chasing numbers that are way beyond what they need to be anyway. Plus, 150mph, and 40mpg? C'mon, why the hell not? Throw a straight exhaust on it and just adore that diesel grunt.

[@mikers73]

Chris, you get to the root of what the car is about and how it may or may not appeal to a real car enthusiast. You cannot be thanked enough for the honest opinions, general hooning, and showing overall fervor for all that you do. Thank you.

[@w-james9277]

I like the Panamera, its not the best looking but its also not ugly, its a great car made for people who love driving

[@Pete762]

Will James I thought it was ugly until I saw one on the road!! I liked it a lot since then!

[@w-james9277]

***** Same

[@richardhurr31]

"Like taking a fat person to the beach, you shouldn't really do it." LOL

[@AB-80X]

Yeah, you just end up with Greenpeace showing up, trying to drag the whales back into the water. It's a right mess.

[@bmwe92m]

I'd consider myself a car enthusiast and I like how it looks. But I actually think it looks better in real life. It's got so much more presence and character than most of the other cars in its segment. If I was in the market for a Panamera as a daily driver and family car, I'd go for a 2nd hand S or Turbo model, though.

[@JohnMcILwraith]

I must import one to British Columbia Canada. I appreciated the drive you took us on. I love an honest and reasoned look at why some who can clearly drive and loves to drive (and you sir my friend in deed can drive) can with out reservation point out why a diesel in this car makes so much sense. You showed that the 1/4 mile is amazing for what we in Canada call a 4 door sedan, and that it can get uo to speed, and most of off all and typical of diesel engines is the low end available torque. It might not be fist out of the gate but it will leave many V6 and V8's behind when chugging up a mountain side at only 2500 rpm. I drive from Vancouver to several places on the coastal Islands, and back east on the other side of the Rockies. This car was made to be driven in the Coastal Mountains, and up down and through the thousands of miles in the Canadian Rockies and down the highways on prairies under an endless blue sky from dawn till dusk, and well past twilight and a canopy of stars above. I drive a VW Passat Diesel, it and the Audi A6 / Allroad / Estate / Variant's from where this Panamera's engine was "poached" from are excellent for cruising and long hual trips where it sips on diesel slowly like the queen does her tea. Why not put it in an executive cruiser with huge cargo room and torque / power where it matters to climb a half dozen mountain ranges before you need to pull over and sleep. If you are a Brit or Continental and you think it is solid and more than capable saloon for your narrow highways imagine being Canadian where in a good day you can drive 12 hours in any direction on mountain highways. To put it in perspective it would be like driving 12 hours in any direction on mountain passes in the Swiss Alps, but much of it far more challenging to drive than the Alps and petrol station are few and far between. A rock solid power plant with enough cargo and seating space to carry skies, fishing, hiking / camping gear, your dog and friends / family and it can get 40mpg... I would have no problem hooking up a trailer to this Panamera, or using it like it should be as a practical albeit exotic estate car / wagon. Add a roof rack and travel in style, winter, spring, summer, or fall. To sit that low, and blended with cabin and "cockpit" refinements, firm handling, and have the freight train like diesel torque and economy... Magnificent!

[@derbigpr500]

The funniest thing is, it's usually the americans who claim certain cars are not fast enough, or that diesels are slow or not good enough, because in Europe we definitely don't think that, and sales statistics show that. And the reason it's funny is because they really have no experience to talk about either of those two things. They don't have experience in driving fast (since they have ridiculous speed limits and shittiest traffic culture in the world that makes you wanna shoot 5 people per minute while driving on their clogged up highways), or driving a car with a diesel engine. If diesels are fast enough for european roads, where people on average drive much, much faster than in the US, then they're sure as hell fast enough in the USA where most people slug along at 50 or 60 mph in their automatics while drinking coffe on really crappy highways or freeways with nowhere near the flatness or quality of surface as on the european highways.

[@KeiDoesManyThings]

Unfortunately true, though the reason why other Americans think they are slow or not good enough is because of past diesels. Also, diesels are more associated with semi-trucks and, unfortunately, pick-up trucks which both are known to spit out soot when they suddenly accelerate... which isn't pleasant if you're driving behind them or being a pedestrian. I also think that the speed limits are ridiculous... but then you drive with other people and you see why they'd push for slower speeds. Some people frankly can't drive properly. I can link you to a channel that specifically makes videos just by driving daily catching the bad drivers and most videos are longer than 10 minutes. Speed limits are also a way for police revenue, though I still don't get why we don't have our own autobahn with specific rules and a special license just to drive on it. Diesel cars aren't very popular all because of pricing. Buying a diesel car is more expensive than a gas/petrol powered cars and diesel prices is more expensive. They are also more costly to maintain so that's why most people don't buy them. I, though, would like to drive a diesel... if those factors wasn't so great.

[@eurokid83]

Ishikawa Masaki I agree diesel fuel is expensive, but if your getting 40+ MPG I would think that would offset at least some of the cost at the pump. Actually where I live diesel fuel is less expensive than premium gasoline by about 15 cents per gallon. Being American myself, and also working as a professional auto repair technician specializing in European automobiles I can firmly say the newer diesels are plenty fast and have very clean tailpipe emissions. For example the new VW TDI's are pretty quick and are as quiet as their gasoline powered models. And they get twice the mileage.

[@KeiDoesManyThings]

Chester Wardan Actually, diesel is cheaper than petrol/gasoline here in South Carolina AND Georgia. Maybe I should have gotten a turbo diesel.

[@Veyronp87]

LOL you are generalizing a nation of 350 million and an area larger than continental europe. some parts of the US have speed limits around 130 km/h which is higher than some parts of europe.

[@MrBodi1]

Veyronp87 agree but some parts of europe have no speed limits at all

[@MrFenrir1000]

Another amazing video from Chris Harris. He is definitely one of the best in the biz. As to whether or not it's fast enough. It is, for what it is. For a big ass turbo diesel estate it's definitely fast enough. I think the problem people have with it is that when they think of Porsche, they dont think of diesel. The loads of torque plus the mpg are good for this car. If they put this engine in say a 911, then I would call it heinous, but for the Panamera it's a great idea

[@nickylarson4283]

I still don't get why buying an expensive Porsche and choose the diesel version to "save money". When it comes to these kind of car, the depreciation is way more important than the fuel cost anyway...

[@atos.nympha3451]

It matter of choice

[@atos.nympha3451]

It matter of choice

[@TGShunai]

+Nicky Larson Maybe it's not to save money, but if you spend let's say, 3k miles a month in it, you might want to have to fill it up less times a week/month?

[@zibi1988pl]

+Nicky Larson There are some of us that love Turbo diesels great option to have here with a Porsche.

[@atos.nympha3451]

+zibi1988pl well said!

[@DEADmetal3]

I believe that it has pleasant, refined and precise handling but i put my car as a benchmark, which is BMW E36 328i and which is quicker making the Panamera diesel an unworthy Porche. I think that it's an excelent benchmark which tells us that Panamera diesel lacks peak power.

[@Gavin756]

I love cars that blend performance with economy, great video!

[@TheLyngas]

I very much agree with you on the looks of the Panamera. I dont see why anyone dislike its design... Theres several running around in my local area here in Norway and 2 of them are in a lovely black color and look quite stunning going down the road!...

[@PorscheSweden]

Porsche should have the new Diesel S engine in the Panamera, 385 bhp, 850 nm.

[@TheStig.]

u should do the exact same test with a Jag XJ and see what u think coz i think that is absolutelt fantastic

[@JacksonCamel]

He loves to press the button on the gear stick~~ : )

[@nagasako7]

Chris Harris vids are the best youtube vids, bar none. The production values of Top Gear, with the facts of Google, all on youtube for free...

[@sherman3211]

Not fast enough for a Porsche? It will crush a Cayenne V6, probably would give the Panamera V6 a run too.

[@Kaiaskey]

Great review Chris, I think what came through here is that Porsche can breathe life into any engine (whatever it's underlying characteristics) and that the Panamera has great dynamics (chassis + electronics).

[@AgentSmith911]

Modern diesels are amazing

[@DGRWPF]

tell that to my friends. They all drive 1.9/2.0 TDIs. They always tell me how good they are with they high torque and good economy and they always make fun of my little Clio RS 200. You don't wanna know what happened when we went for a drive in the mountains.

[@danielsan3681]

I love everything about this car! :)

[@derlustigedfence]

LED's are pulsed for heat and efficiency, unlike normal lightbulbs which are on all the time. A camera shooting at 25 frames per second sometimes catches the LED's when off.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

I have a bit of a soft spot for the Panamera - I thought it was ugly too until I saw one in person. Having said that, I'm not interested in an oil burning version - 0-100 in well over 6 seconds and standing 1/4 in around 15 seconds really is too slow for something so expensive that you can't really do much to improve. I'm too used to having something vastly faster. So yeah, for me personally, Chris is wrong.

[@bighands69]

There are people out there that could be buying a similar type of diesel for the same money as the Panamera and they would be happy with the speed. If you are not happy with the speed then you would go for the likes of a Cayman or 911 but depending on your budget. Me and my wife want a new family car and we are considering the Panamera Diesel. My sports car is a RS5 and we have a Toyota for a family car already that we are going to keep. There are many people out there like me who want a nice family sports car and there are many options and Porsche is one of those option which it was not 10 years ago.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

bighands69 Absolutely, everyone has different requirements - I don't doubt that you'd get a lot of enjoyment out of one if you do buy it, it's just not for me . Not that I could afford one anyway, we only have space and budget for 2 cars, so my wife has the super practical Toyota SUV (which she loves anyway) and I have an Aussie Ford Falcon Turbo - which isn't too impractical other than the bad economy, but given the power it has it's not even too hard on fuel.

[@eternalblue2119]

Well he got given the car to use for a few months. Would you want to give that up when a new car come out?

[@bighands69]

Matthew Sharpe For 99% of families the diesel Panamera is fast enough and for those that want faster they could easily buy a 40k Porsche Cayman if they looked. The cars you have are not a bad choice. You could probably do better performance wise than the Falcon but then again it is about personal choice and you may love the Falcon.

[@Stryke607]

where are you driving it that this is too slow for you?

[@Donbernie]

Because an air based ride offers you a lot more possibilities. The magnetic ride system is a good thing, no question, but it can only change the viscosity of the damping fluid and so the damping within the boundries magnets off (normal fluid damping) and completely on ( high damping). With air you can react faster and more precise to any given driving condition, because you dont have these boundries and nearly no inertia (compared to a damping fluid).

[@derbigpr500]

And yes, sure it's fast enough. 6.5 sec? That's fast enough to push you far back into the seat. It's faster than any hot hatchback for fuck sakes, it's faster than a Golf GTI, Megane RS, Focus ST...and does anyone ever go inside a hot hatchback and says "man, its too slow"? Nope...haven't met one yet, people usually go crazy about how fast they feel. And it being a diesel, full acceleration doesn't show the half of it's performance. Diesels are about in-gear performance from low and mid revs, not 0-60. Take a petrol engine with 6.5 to 60, and this diesel will feel and will be MUCH faster in gear, during overtaking, accelerating at high speeds, accelerating onto the highway, etc...pretty much real world stuff. And the low pitched noise that it makes adds to the sensation of acceleration, because you simply aren't used to be pushed forwards at such pace without the engine screaming at high revs like in petrol cars.

[@cameroncoe8827]

Fully agree and I'd add that the in gear power is largely down to the high torque diesel engines make at low revs.

[@bhagat6127]

things have changed

[@scuderia11]

It's air suspension so it can be both depending what setting you have it on. depending on the options you have selected: pasm, sport chrono, etc. the sport button/sport +, will change the ride height and stiffness accordingly.

[@Baerchenization]

I don't wear a helmet on the Autobahn - am I crazy or what? ;)

[@janrdoh]

It kicks down a gear or more depending how many times you press it. If your in manual mode you use the paddles on the steering wheel but in auto you use the button to drop a gear.

[@AB-80X]

Anyone recognize what kind of watch he's wearing?

[@jimfastlane28]

Rolex Sub I think.

[@MrExzyz]

jimfastlane28 hes got pretty good taste then :)

[@myyth146]

Omega seamaster?

[@danielkruger3716]

no rolex

[@AriGoldFox]

Rolex submariner

[@dkphantomdk]

diesel or gas engine, it doesnt really matter, its the performance output and the way an engine respond to the pedal that matters. I would pick a diesel if the cost to buy the car was the same as a petrol.. but the cost and other ongoing taxes to run a diesel here makes it to expensive, so saving money on fuel doesnt make up for the costs..

[@c1bersnake]

Am i the only one who thinks the Panamera is beautiful?

[@AB-80X]

No.

[@Ghostystuff]

nope

[@lukasolsgarden]

Nonono

[@MatthijsOkhuizen]

The new model, yes!

[@mojondro]

Absolutely no,i think is quite cool

[@Loafy23]

Chris, another excellent video! I love how you own a hypercar and you drive the best sports cars in the world on a regular basis and yet you're able to keep an open and objective opinion on the subject.

[@HOSSMCGILLICUTTI]

Owning, or buying a diesel sports car, or wagon tells people that you indeed have money, probably old money. You didn't scrimp and save your money to buy a yuppie style M3, Porsche 911 ST or even more often, a new Corvette convertible. Which scream out to people "ive got big money and a small penis". No! I have so much money that i could care less what others think of my cars or me. For instance, i was a contractor. I pull in the driveway to give an estimate on a new fireplace, when i see a Mercedes e55 amg wagon and a Audi rs parked there. My estimate doubled from then on.

[@Stryke607]

So many questions ... What is a "911 ST" ? And "you could care less" ? Means you actually do care? Finally, the last E55 AMG is fairly old by now, are you sure that's a sign of money? I think it is rather a sign of the lack of it ...

[@MrTremaine182]

Also, he charges wealthier people double, which means he is a dishonest, jealous piece of shit who I would never want to work with.

[@F30BmwTurkey]

I am 20 years old and my dad owns the one with fuel engine. I own the new 3 series F30. Still Panamera is way better than mine. It's just something absolutely different. Makes you feel like you are in a suite hotel room :D Makes you feel special....

[@bicyclist2]

If I had the money, I'd buy one. Unfortunately I'd have to go to Europe or UK because we didn't get it here in the US. Thanks.

[@Gorbyrev]

What an extraordinary machine. Reports coming back from Harris, Metcalfe et al suggest this is a genuinely capable car. Thanks Chris, wonder if Graypaul have a demonstrator!

[@C-M-E]

Panamera's are very popular in the DFW area (Texas), and personally I think they look quite good. Maybe not the diesel part for this particular car, but had I any garage room, a V8 Pana and a mid 2000 M5 are on my list!

[@lllJesu2lll]

... Porsche+Diesel = The Future of all sports cars. I accept that in the next few years we will see a huge drop in power for cars because of environmental regulations but that does not mean the death of sports cars... its the rebirth. I am excited to see what we come up with.

[@bleezy650]

For the size and what people will actually use this car for it has plenty of power. The MPG is great not that anyone buying this car would care much, but its still a nice bonus.

[@user-im3gd5km2b]

I own one and it’s deceptively quick with no fuss & incredibly comfortable

[@thethepete731]

It's the LED lights. They use PWM or Pulse-Width Modulation, basically they send the electrical signal for the brake lights, running lights, and signals all through the same wire, at different frequencies. It's like looking at an old CRT monitor on TV, when you could see the refresh lines. The light strobes in real life, but your eye can't detect it. It just gets caught on the camera.

[@Gierdo]

The taillights are high power LEDs. They shine brighter than you would like them to shine, so they have to be dimmed. You can't dimm LEDs by reducing the voltage you drive them with, they have to be dimmed with pulse width modulation, meaning that they are switched on and off really fast, much faster than humans can recognize with their eyes. If you film those LEDs, the pwm can be in sync with the frames of the camera, which means that you can take several frame where the LEDs are off.

[@thonczarenko]

Yep! It drifts.... They could've made it quicker, but I suppose they wanted more fuel mileage with a little sprinkle of performance. I wonder what a kind of numbers a tune could get out of that engine/car?

[@MADelectriCITY]

Most LEDs "flicker" on and off at a rate of about 60hz per second and your watching this video that was filmed near 24-30fps. You see it very easily in video because the camera and LEDs are not in sync. You can also see it normally if the LEDs are moving or if you move something in front of them. Take something with an LED and wave your hand fast in front of it and look through your fingers.

[@hedgehog5001]

They are smooth, refined and dignified. You can only do 70mph legally anyway. A truly great car.

[@boscochan3728]

the camera reviewed so good on the firmness about the suspension, it shakes...

[@jasoncarpp7742]

It may not be fast enough for most Porsche enthusiasts, but then everyone has their own ideas as to what's "fast enough" for a Porsche. But judging by what I've seen thus far, I'd consider this car just right in terms of acceleration and top speed. How does she do in terms of fuel economy?

[@KenJohn777]

It's About 40miles/gallon, good enough for a V6 diesel I think...

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Kenjohn Quintero That's impressive! Particularly when you consider the vehicle weighs in at over 3,000lbs. Who says Porsche performance and diesel economy don't mix? It looks to me like Porsche has made a sports car (sports saloon) with the handling and road holding intact, with the added bonus of diesel fuel economy. I can certainly live with that. :) If only it were sold here in the USA, I'd take it for a test drive.

[@KenJohn777]

Jason Carpp www.porsche.com/international/models/panamera/panamera-diesel/featuresandspecs/ there are the full specs, really awesome

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Kenjohn Quintero I'll have to check them out. I'd love to see it here in the USA.

[@nikosmanoliadis6740]

No, the 911 is a 2+2. Which means the rear seats are useless.

[@theyamanote]

You have to drive it to understand. It's not just 'a little bit' more refined around corners, it's on another level compared to the usual A/B/M.

[@eclypse3d]

I use Torque Pro it goes by the ODBII and ECM measurements. GPS is not very accurate but its not horrible either if he has the sufficient amount of sats available and on a wide open track I would assume he does.

[@scuderia11]

no. currently most regulating legislators ban adaptive suspension in any form. for a moment there were a few systems being used in F1, but FIA banned them. the advantages and disadvantages all lie with whether or not you option PASM with PDCC as in a new 911 or the current gen PASM system in 2012 Pans. the new system includes electronically controlled anti-roll bars which means the system can automatically disconnect the anti-roll bars for smooth touring or go to max attack in sport+.

[@sausc]

"Chris harris on cars" is the best car show on the internet telly. :)

[@benjamindoyle668]

I crack up upon noticing that Milbrook is where Fifth Gear drove the Panamera Diesel on Team Test and HATED it. At 10:50--when Chris notes that he 'loves the way it steers', I think back to when Tiff trashed the car's chassis due to its porky diesel engine. Perhaps it's a matter of perspective--I'm not sure what Chris was driving before this, or what Tiff was slinging around before he hopped into the Panamera--but I just think it's funny. Nothing wrong with different opinions however.

[@Wolvesq]

I became a big believer in diesels after trying the VW v6 TDI in their Audi line. V8 torque with hybrid fuel mileage? Yes please.

[@SCS2KCR]

So this car is a testament to Porsche Engineers. They've been able to take the engine and transmission from my Father's 2012 Volkswagen Touraeg TDI and through chassis and suspension tuning made it a legitimate sport sedan. Sounds like what Lotus did with the Elise/Evora with Toyota engines. Brings up the question, is the engine the heart of a sports car anymore?

[@magna59]

The only conversation you need to have over diesel , is it ' s cal value , gram to gram for everything else that you can get in liquid or gas form off a forecourt ............ the rest just comes round to engineering to cope with that advantage & the tail pipe output .

[@xabiercruz4408]

the best car guy ever. I have learn so much with your videos. thank you Chris

[@TheCroatianKnight]

I did, for the 2012 Camry 3.5l V6 with about 270 HP. 0-60 in 6.9 sec ( panamera in 6.8 by factory data, 6.6 in this review. Top speed for the Camry is 143 MPH, Panamera does 150 MPH claimed by Porsche, in reality probably more. And that's not slow by any means. Also, the numbers and the speed are maybe a quarter of what the car is. So to me, the Panamera's price tag is spot on and comparing the Camry and Panamera in any sense is ludacris.

[@uhugvjkbkjh]

6.5 sec? I think the latest one is around 6 dead. Thats pretty bloody fast for a big diesel. Fastest car I owned(10 yrs ago) was a pre cat Maser 222e (5.6 to 60) and that was plenty.

[@3XICS]

You are right, Panameras aren't that outlandish but for those cars that are more than 150k it's not much of a planet saving solution to swap a 6L V12 for something like a 3L turbo V6, I don't think a car like the Aventador is much of a arctic fox killer since they are not driven every day in massive numbers.

[@t3chn0m0]

Btw, there will be a V8 Diesel from the Cayenne deriving. 381hp / 850nm.

[@ryanturner103]

Panamera only has automatic trans. PDK and Tiptronic both have manual modes. regular steering wheel has weird buttons, but Sport Design steering wheel had paddle shifters.

[@Beolex]

"Salmon and ketchup" I hate seafood and when I eat salmon I often put ketchup on it to conceal the taste. Awesome video by the way, Chris Harris rocks.

[@globaladmin]

The difference between Harris and Clarkson? The former is an intelligent man who knows his stuff and informs in an articulate, highly credible, and indeed enthralling, manner. The other tries (way too hard) to be an entertainer, and no more. Thanks Chris for another fascinating video.

[@NarfBLAST]

I get the repeated reference to "fast enough". This is the exact feeling I had when my 2001 VW Golf TDI was brand new.

[@scuderia11]

not very many disadvantages. unlike many other adaptive settings in other manufacturers, Porsche does a very good job at differentiating between the three driver selected settings whereas the competition leaves them pretty vague. the problems arise at 10/10th driving where because of the adaptive steering and suspension the max limit on tire grip may not equal the max limit of suspension.

[@thethepete731]

Funny, my first thought when Chris was touting how awesome this car is, was to see that V6 diesel in a Cayman or something. "Blasphemy", yeah, probably. But that doesn't make it any less awesome. Diesels can play too, and with a good exhaust they sound pretty fantastic.

[@CAJFB]

I agree with every point that Chris says!!!!!!I am pretty sure owners could care less what average people think of the porsche panamera they drive and if I had the money I would buy one!!Great review keep up the good work!!

[@driesverniers165]

The cars you refer to (BMW M5, Quattroporte,...) are no diesel cars. The Panamera also comes in a Turbo version that can easily run by a BMW M5. If you want a big porsche, you could get yourself a 911 turbo or GT3 RS, if you know what I mean. This diesel saloon car is perfect for every day use/long distances and still make it an affordable trip...

[@justcallmegod2]

And this is exactly why I am considering buying one. It's just a really great overall package (Harry Metcalfe said so too), and people should stop nagging on and on about how it's "so un-porsche worthy". They have to be competitive, and that's why they brought this car out!

[@cj4ebay]

While it may not move the car as fast as some of the gas engines, the motor is tuned and responsive, it doesn't seem like any old diesel. and being capable to get to 60 in under 7 seconds is completely acceptable and quite quick. jsut 10 years ago that was a respectable number for a sports car, especially a four door

[@marcs990]

Funny, people say they hate this car from Porsche. The truth is, before the Cayenne and this car, I would never consider buying a porsche because it was not practical enough for me, and if I had money to burn I would buy a Ferrari instead if I just wanted to drive myself and another person! These cars gave Porsche new customers that think like I do... I used to hate Porsches, now I love them!

[@BeerBourbonBaits]

Are we getting the diesel in the US? I feel we are out of the diesel market all too frequently. While I agree the words Porsche and Diesel didn't make much sense at first, once Chris started talking about comparing it to executive saloons rather then supercars (when considering the turbo petrol) the picture became more clear. And to be honest it seams like a nice escape from the usual 7(5?) series or A8. While the styling isn't for everyone I think it points out the variation of their customers.

[@SmallBlogV8]

I thought the Panamera looked great when I first saw it, and then the internet and TV kept telling me that it's hideous, so I kept it to myself. Well you know what? No more. I like the Panamera's looks, and seeing as it's evidently a tremendously capable and talented car, I can say that I LIKE the Porsche Panamera. Deal with it! I'm Panamera and Proud!

[@Shark00n1337]

I didn't even remember the Cayenne existed, sorry you are right, it's the second slowest Porsche, after another non-Porsche. That's more like it, why not introduce the diesel concept with that engine or one like that? We're talking about a premium market here, the flagship model is important.

[@nunzioamitrano9642]

modern diesel's are great. i drive a merc e350 cdi convertible and it does 0-60 in 6.5 which feels fast enough to beat most things you find on the road. that doesnt even tell the full story though. the punch in mid-low revs is far greater than a petrol car of the same 0-60 performance

[@PentagonPirate]

I used to hate the way this car looks but I totally agree with Chris, they have grown on me and look pretty attractive. I don't understand why this car attracts so much hate.

[@Marine475]

It's a low end model. Makes sense. Panamera for people who want to have a Panamera but also need to do a lot of traveling and don't care for 10mpg on a highway.

[@Lukos0036]

Saloon, is that like an American sedan? Also glad to see diesel getting better. If we must insist on internal combustion then I think biodiesel and ethanol are going to be it's salvation past peak oil.

[@ghepardogts]

Awesome video Chris! At this point, I don't really care what Porsche does. They can decide to build a citycar or a hatchback and I wouldn't care. That is, as long as they continue to build excellent sportscars and the occasional hypercars. Case in point, the Carrera GT would've never happened without the first gen Cayenne. The 918 Spyder may never have happened without the Cayenne and Panamera.

[@jimmyhoffa9]

I thought the title said Resident Evil because Chris was going to recommend it for the zombie apocalypse. Anyway. . . Torquey engines make sense in luxury cars, regardless of whether they're diesel or not. The sense of shove(and the actual shoving bit) is the important bit. I feel like they could have gone one up and rammed some more power in though.

[@ryanturner103]

Panamera redesign coming late 2013 to early 2014. and if you build it right, they look amazing. some people just don't spend the money to get good wheels, and don't have the sense for good color combos and features.

[@baltostella]

Petrol engines are capable of running on a wide array of different fuels, though usually you would have to modify the engine a bit.

[@dgbourdon1325]

if it's good enough for you Mr H, it's deffo good enough for me! I am buying one in 2023 and I am thinking it will still be a stonker!

[@KHYANDER]

No, You're right. We're all different. Me for one thinks the best looking cayenne was the first incarnation but only the turbo S version, and it was a capable vehicle. 5200 lbs towing capability, 4.8 0-60, 5 person carrying capacity and true off-road capabilty given what a set of tires that could take a nearly 3 ton car 4.8 to 60 could do. And everyone thinks it's ugly. So you have a point. But seriously though, if a prius is hideous, then what is that new fiat abarth 500?

[@Muggo05]

FINALLY!! i'm not the only one who likes the look of a Panamera!

[@HarukaJad3]

I like this idea. Diesel power in a executive saloon car. Why not? Great efficiency, long range, quiet, comfy and sporty in its own way. That just works. :P Thanks Chris for the review!

[@amduser86]

the point is, you don't need to fill up quite as often and is has more tourge then the petrol versions (except the turbo). modern diesel engine are a good match for this sort of cars, because they have enough bhp, more then enough tourge and are next to silent. ps. anyway it's a 100.000€ car. for 150.000€ you would get a turbo ....

[@ndh641]

On the open highway. For speed and range, nothing beats the oiler!

[@Rastab97]

Wow 45 miles per gallon, and its fast. They get there technology from the audi r18 race car, so I'm on board. good job Chris

[@SimRacingPakistan]

Chris you have done it.... I agree with you....... (2 thumbs up) you proved it.

[@MrTNL3]

It is fast enough to be considered a porsche, however its not fast enough to bother buying. 1) Because the top speed is 11 MPH slower. 2) It probably heavier and 3) Its cost more than the standard gas version. In order to make the diesel a viable option you must make it at least as fast without being that much more expensive.

[@ShadowFalcon]

I know. Weird right. Personally I think it looks good. Certainly better than the comparable sports-limo Maserati Quatroporte and looks on par with the Aston Martin Rapide.

[@TheMrCrumble]

good review, just like people buy lots of diesel bmw's audi's, etc. then people will buy this as well.. the fuel range will be big , you could tell us the price tho ( maybe i missed it don't know) and how it compares to that bmw that you compared with acceleration.